UMBC has a strong tradition of very active participation in state and national elections, with high student turnout. This year, Marylanders will elect a new U.S. Senator as well as other federal and state legislators, and will participate in electing the President and Vice President of the United States. The general election will take place on November 5, 2024, with early voting available from October 24 to October 31, 2024. Between now and then, if you are registered to vote in Maryland, you can cast your vote on the UMBC campus by requesting a mail ballot and depositing the completed ballot in the drop-off box located in the lobby of The Commons.

Register to vote: If you are an eligible Maryland resident, you can use the state's online portal to register. Maryland's deadline to register to vote in advance of the 2024 general election is Tuesday, October 15. Whether you live in Maryland or not, UMBC's voter registration portal can help you take the first steps to register and vote in your home state if you are eligible to do so.

Request a mail ballot, then vote in The Commons: Registered Maryland voters can complete an online request for a mail-in ballot here. Once you have received and completed your ballot, you can submit it by placing it in the official Board of Elections drop-off box in the lobby of The Commons (near the Campus Information Center desk). No postage is necessary. The Board of Elections will pick up ballots placed in the box multiple times each week. If you have questions about the mail ballot process, you can get help this Friday, October 11 from noon to 2 p.m. at a drop-in session in the AOK Library Gallery.

Make a pledge to vote: Every election year, UMBC participates in a national Pledge to Vote competition for university students across the country. UMBC placed #4 on the national leaderboard in 2022. Take the pledge, and spread the word.

Access Maryland and out-of-state voter resources: Find the latest information, including dates for early voting and deadlines to request mailed and electronic ballots, on the UMBC Center for Democracy and Civic Life website.

Serve as election judge: The Baltimore County Board of Elections is recruiting election judges to work at polling stations during the 2024 general election. These are paid positions and an important public service.

Participate in civic and community engagement programs: Whether you are eligible to vote or not, you have a stake in your communities and can play an important role in shaping them. Follow the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's myUMBC page so you will receive alerts about upcoming opportunities for learning and conversation.

Questions? Contact the Center for Democracy and Civic Life at civiclife@umbc.edu.