Decision 2024

What to know ahead of Maryland's 2024 primary

Primary day in Maryland is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. You can vote in person that day, but mail-in voting is also an option for voters. The early voting period has ended

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Primary season is here, and that means you have decisions to make about when and how to vote. We've got key details and deadlines for you if you're casting a ballot in Maryland this year.

When is Maryland's 2024 primary?

The official primary day in Maryland is Tuesday, May 14, although mail-in voting is also an option for voters.


Maryland early voting info:

When was early voting for Maryland's 2024 primary?

Early voting began Thursday, May 2 and ended Thursday, May 9.


Maryland mail-in voting info:

How can I get a mail-in ballot for Maryland in 2024?

You can request a mail-in ballot from Maryland's State Board of Elections or from your local board of elections (find yours here).

Note that Maryland lists the deadlines for requesting a mail-in ballot by the date your request must be received by, not when it is sent/mailed.

What's the deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot for Maryland's 2024 primary?

If you wanted to receive your ballot by mail or fax:

  • Your request must have been received by Tuesday, May 7.

If you wanted to receive your ballot online:

  • Your request must have been received by Friday, May 10 at 5 p.m. for a request sent in the mail, or by that day at 11:59 p.m. for a request sent by fax or submitted online

Where are the drop boxes for mail-in ballots for Maryland's 2024 primary?

You can find a PDF list of designated ballot drop box online here for the entire state, including dozens of locations for Montgomery and Prince George's counties, and 10 locations for Frederick County.

Ballot boxes will be open through Tuesday, May 14 at 8 p.m., state election officials say.

What's the deadline for casting a mail-in ballot for Maryland in 2024?

If you want to use a drop box:

  • You can place your mail-in ballot in a ballot drop box up until Tuesday, May 14 at 8 p.m.

If you want to mail your ballot:

  • Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, May 14.
  • Note that putting your ballot in a mailbox on Election Day doesn't necessarily mean it would be postmarked that day. Maryland elections officials say you should send it as soon as possible due to the chance for delays.
  • Your ballot will come with a postage-paid return envelope, so mailing back your ballot is free.


Maryland primary day 2024 info:

When can I vote in-person in Maryland's 2024 primary?

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be able to cast their ballots.

To vote in person on primary day, find your polling place here.

Does Maryland have same-day voter registration in 2024?

Yes, you may register in person on primary day in Maryland.

To register to vote on primary day, go to your assigned election day polling place, and bring a document that proves where you live (such as your MVA-issued license, ID card or change of address card, or a paycheck stub, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document showing your name and address).

Who's on the ballot for the Maryland 2024 primary?

Go to this page on Maryland's elections website and scroll to "2024 Primary Election Proofing Ballots." Then select your county from the list to see which candidates and offices will be on your ballot.

Voters will see presidential nominee candidates, as well as candidates for statewide offices, such as U.S. senator and congressional representative. You can also see candidates for local offices.

Now you've got those answers, but you should also make sure you're registered to vote and that all your details are correct.

Maryland voter registration info:

How can I register to vote in Maryland?

First, make sure you're eligible to register to vote in Maryland (check on that here).

If you are, then you can either register in advance, or on primary day.

To register to vote in Maryland in advance:

To register to vote in Maryland on primary day:

  • Go to your assigned election day polling place on primary day (Tuesday, May 14)
  • Bring a document that proves where you live: your MVA-issued license, ID card or change of address card, or a paycheck stub, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document showing your name and address

Maryland voter registration: How can I update my name or address?

You can either update your information ahead of time, or in person on election day. Follow the same steps above.

If you plan to update your information on primary day itself, go to the polling place assigned to your new address. You'll vote there using a provisional ballot and will provide your new address on the application. Your provisional ballot will be counted as long as you sign the application, election officials say.

Maryland voter registration: I think I'm already registered, but how can I check?

You can check to see if you're registered to vote in Maryland online here.

However, Maryland officials say that if you submitted your information online or at the MVA only recently, it may take up to three weeks to appear on that site.

What if I want to change my political party in Maryland?

To change your party affiliation, you can:

The deadline to change your party affiliation ahead of the presidential primary was Tuesday, April 23.

The Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties are recognized in Maryland.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the deadline for placing ballots in drop boxes. The correct deadline is Tuesday, May 14.

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