Mail-in Voting

Deadlines to Receive a Request for a Mail-in Ballot

2024 General Presidential Election
Deadline for a registered voter to request a mailed or faxed mail-in ballot Tuesday, October 29, 2024 8:00 PM (by mail) or
11:59 PM (email/fax/online)
Deadline for a registered voter to request an electronic mail-in ballot Friday, November 1, 2024 5:00 PM (by mail) or
11:59 PM (email/fax/online)
Deadline for a registered voter or voter's agent to request a mail-in ballot in person at a local board Tuesday, November 5, 2024 8:00 PM

Requesting a Mail-in Ballot

To vote by mail, if you did not request a ballot for the Primary Election, you must request one for the General. Ballots will not be automatically mailed to voters for the November 5, 2024 Presidential election.

To request a mail-in ballot you must register to vote or be a registered Maryland voter.

If you have Maryland Driver’s License, ID, or Learner’s Permit, the following is recommended

  • Visit the State of Maryland Board of Elections Voter Registration and Mail-in Ballot Request web page or text the word VBM to 77788.
    • You must provide your complete information so we can verify your voter registration before issuing you a ballot
  • In Step 9, of the “Mail-in Ballot Request” on-line application, select “I would like to receive a mail-in ballot.”
  • Under delivery type, select “in the mail”
    • The other delivery types are only recommended for overseas voters and voters with disabilities

If you do NOT have a Maryland Driver’s License, ID, or Learner’s Permit, the following is recommended

A registered voter may request a mail-in ballot by submitting a written request and returning it to ​the Board of Elections, if ​it includes:

  • the voter's name and residence address
  • the address to which the ballot is to be mailed, if different from the residence address
  • voter's signature

Permanent Mail-in Ballot List

  • If you want to receive a mail-in ballot for all future elections, you can sign up for the permanent mail-in ballot list. Please just mark on your mail-in application 'I would like to receive a mail-in ballot for all future federal and state elections' .
  • Once you sign up, we will send you your mail-in ballot for each future election you are eligible to vote in, and you won't need to resubmit a request.
  • If you request a vote-by-mail ballot for one or all future elections, but later change your mind and want to vote in person, you will have to vote a provisional ballot at your polling place.
  • If you request a mail-in ballot for one or all future elections, but later change your mind and want to vote in person, you will have to vote a provisional ballot at your polling place or early voting center. 
  • If you request a mail-in ballot for one or all future elections, and you later move or change your mailing address or contact information, you will need to update that information at the following link Voter Registration Update or contact your local board of elections to update your records.
  • If you decide you want to vote in person instead of receiving a vote-by-mail ballot you will need to contact your local Board of Elections.

Using your Mail-in Ballot

If you requested a mail -in ballot, please vote as soon as possible using that ballot. Postage is prepaid, so you can return it by mail, or you can deposit it to any election drop box. Do not wait until Election Day.

If you change your mind and decide to vote in person during Early Voting or on Election Day, you will need to vote a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will not be counted until after Election Day, after we make sure you did not already vote.

Voting By Mail

Mail-in ballots for the 2024 General Presidential Election must be mailed or deposited in any election drop box by 8 PM Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked no later than 8:00 PM on the above dates to be counted for the respective election. To vote by mail, you must have already requested a ballot.

More Information

For additional information regarding the upcoming election, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

See more about Mail-in Voting from the Maryland State Board of Elections