[IMPORTANT] Deadline to Register to Vote in Maryland's General Election
Tuesday, October 13th, is the last day to register online
The Maryland General Election is November 3, 2026, and if you're not registered to vote, you have until 11:59 PM tonight to register online. General elections determine who will hold federal, state, and local offices, as well as which ballot questions will be decided by voters. This year's general election includes races for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, members of the Maryland General Assembly, members of Congress, and various county and local offices.
Voting is one of the most direct ways we can have a say in the people who represent our communities and the policies and priorities that shape our community, both on campus and beyond.
You can register using:
- Maryland's Voter Registration System. It only takes a few minutes.
- Maryland Voter Registration Form. You must download and mail this form today. Mail-in registrations must be postmarked by October 13.
Unlike the primary election, all registered voters can participate in Maryland's general election regardless of party affiliation.
Missed the Deadline? You Still Have Options.
Same-day registration is available during:
- Early Voting, October 22–29, 2026 from 7 AM–8 PM. Find an early voting location.
- On Election Day, November 3, 2026 from 7 AM–8 PM. Find your polling location.
You must bring proof of your Maryland address to register. Examples include:
- MVA-issued license, permit, or ID card
- Change of address card
- Your paycheck
- Bank statement
- Utility bill
- Official student housing documentation showing your Maryland address
- Any other government document with your name and Maryland address
Can I Register?
You can register in Maryland if you are:
- A U.S. citizen
- A Maryland resident
- At least 16 years old
You must be 18 years old by the General Election on November 3, 2026, to vote in this election.
Already Registered?
Take a minute to check that your registration information is up to date, especially if you've moved, changed your name, or switched addresses since the last election. You can check your registration status using Maryland's Voter Search Portal.
Voting at UMBC?
UMBC does not have a polling location. However, if you are voting in the Maryland General Election via mail-in ballot, you can drop your ballot in the drop box located on the 1st floor of the Commons. The box is secure. The Board of Elections retrieves ballots from this box at the end of each day. If your ballot belongs to another Maryland county, it will be forwarded to the correct election office. Please note this drop box is for Maryland voters only.
Out-of-State Student?
Registering in Maryland allows you to vote on issues and offices that affect where you live during the school year, while remaining registered in your home state allows you to vote on issues and offices that affect your permanent home community. Both options are valid. However, you can only vote in one election. Visit VOTE.gov to find your home state's Board of Elections website with more specific information.
How to Get Involved Beyond Voting?
Are you interested in supporting the election process? The Baltimore County Board of Elections is recruiting election judges to work at polling stations during the 2026 General Election. These are paid positions. To qualify as an election judge, you must be 16 years old or older, a registered voter in the State of Maryland, and able to speak, read, and write English.
Not Eligible to Vote?
There are still many ways to make an impact.
- Staying informed
- Talking about the issues you care about
- Sharing information with your family and friends
- Organizing in your communities
- Creating art, writing, and media
- Helping others directly
- Encouraging others to vote
You can visit the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s website for more opportunities to learn, engage, and participate in building democracy. You can also contact us at civiclife@umbc.edu or Trentqual Rhone, Coordinator for Political Engagement, at trhone1@umbc.edu, for more information about registration, deadlines, or if you have other questions about participating in the 2026 election.