The Maryland Primary Election is June 23, 2026, and if you're not registered to vote, you have until midnight tonight to register online or by mail. While general elections get most of the attention, primary elections are often where key decisions are made. In many Maryland races, primaries effectively decide who will hold office, making these elections an important opportunity to shape who represents our communities. This year's primary includes races for federal, state, and county offices. Funding for higher education, housing policy, transporation, health care access, public safety, climate policy, and how our tax dollars are spent in Maryland are all influenced by who wins these races. Voting is one of the most direct ways we can have a say in 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 five minutes.
- Maryland Voter Registration Form. You must download and mail this form today.
Maryland has a closed primary, which means you must be registered with a political party to vote in that party's primary. If you're currently unaffiliated, the deadline to change your party affiliation is also today. You can always change it back after the election. If you'd rather stay unaffiliated, you can still vote in some local races and on ballot measures. Learn more and register on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
Missed the Deadline? You Still Have Options.
Same-day registration is available during:
- Early Voting, June 11–18, 2026 from 7 AM–8 PM. Find an early voting location.
- On Election Day, June 23, 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, 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 to vote in the general election. If you're 17 now but will turn 18 before the General Election on November 3, 2026, you can still vote in the primary.
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 Primary 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. Find your home state's voter registration.
How to Get Involved Beyond Voting?
Are you interested in supporting the election process? The Baltimore County Board of Elections is still recruiting election judges to work at polling stations during the 2026 primary 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.