Make Your Plan to Vote in the 2026 General Election

Dear UMBC Community,

UMBC has a strong tradition of civic engagement and participation in local, state, and national elections. On November 3, 2026, voters across the country will elect representatives to Congress and choose state and local officials. Marylanders will elect a governor, state legislators, and other public officials whose decisions will affect our lives and communities.

There are many ways to take part in civic life during election season, whether at the ballot box, on campus, or in your communities. Below are several ways anyone can get involved before, during, and after Election Day.

Register to vote: If you are an eligible Maryland resident, you can register using the state's online portal. The deadline to register in advance of the 2026 general election is Tuesday, October 13, 2026. If you are registered to vote in another state, UMBC's voter registration portal can help you take the first steps to register and vote in your home state.

Mail your ballot from the UMBC campus: Registered Maryland voters can request a mail-in ballot to fill out at home. The deadline to request your mail-in ballot sent via U.S. mail is Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Maryland voters can return it using the official Board of Elections drop-off box located in the lobby of The Commons near the Campus Information Center desk. No postage is required, and ballots will be collected multiple times each week. If you are voting in another state, you will need to mail your ballot at the University Center. Mail-in ballots are due on November 3, 2026.

Students: Make a pledge to vote: Every election year, ALL IN to Vote hosts a Pledge to Vote leaderboard for university students across the country. In the most recent midterm election (2022), UMBC ranked #4 in the nation on the student leaderboard. Students who plan to vote: consider taking the pledge and encouraging others to do the same.

Access voter resources: For the latest information, including early voting dates and ballot request deadlines, visit the ALL IN to Vote portal hosted on the UMBC Center for Democracy and Civic Life website.

Serve as an election judge: The Baltimore County Board of Elections is recruiting election judges to work at polling stations during the 2026 general election. These paid positions offer a meaningful way to support the democratic process.

Get involved in your community: Whether or not you are eligible to vote, there are many ways to stay engaged and make an impact in your community. You can participate in discussions, attend campus events, share information with your friends and family, and encourage others to participate. Follow the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's myUMBC page to receive alerts about upcoming opportunities to get involved.

If you have any questions about registration or deadlines, or if you’re still figuring out how you want to participate, please contact the Center for Democracy and Civic Life at civiclife@umbc.edu.

Thank you for being an engaged member of our community.