Maryland Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should visit the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by voters with US mailing addresses.

Important Deadlines

• Voter Registration Form: Postmarked at least 21 days before the election
• Absentee Ballot Application: 4:30 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day (mailed); 11:59 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day (faxed)
• Voted Absentee Ballot:  8:00 PM election day (in person); Postmarked on or before Election Day (by mail)

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget.  Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  

You can also use the Maryland Voter Registration Form.  Mail your completed form to your County Board of Elections.

Verify your voter registration

You should receive written confirmation that your voter registration was processed in 2-3 weeks.  Don't panic if you never receive your voter registration card: you don't actually need it to vote.  If you not sure if your registration was processed - or if you simply can't remember if you're register to vote - you can use the voter registration verification tools here.

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in Maryland, but you must swear an oath that is returned with your voted ballot that you "will be absent or unable to vote in person in the election." If you will not be absent or are able to vote in person in the election, you should plan on voting at your polling place on election day.

Apply for your absentee ballot

Download and complete Maryland Absentee Ballot Application.  Enter the required information on the form, print the form, sign it, and send it to your County Board of Elections.

Receive, complete and return your voted absentee ballot

Fill out your absentee ballot, sign where indicated, and mail or hand-deliver your voted ballot to your County Board of Elections. 

If you are disabled, unable to write, or unable to read the ballot, you may ask someone else to help you with your absentee ballot.  The following people cannot help you with your ballot: a candidate whose name is on the ballot; your boss; or anyone who works for your Union. 

The person who helps you complete your absentee ballot must execute a certification and include that certification with the completed ballot.  Contact your County Board of Elections for details on this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote?

No, but first-time voters must provide ID before voting for the first time in person or by absentee ballot. If you'd like, you can submit your ID with your voter registration form instead.  Acceptable forms of ID include: a copy of a current and valid photo ID, such as a Maryland driver's license; MVA-issued ID card; student photo ID card; or an employee photo ID. If you don't have a photo ID you can submit a copy of a current utility bill; bank statement; government check; paycheck or; other government document that shows the your name and address.

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by absentee ballot?

You do not need to provide ID if you have already voted in Maryland at least once.  If are voting for the first time in Maryland, and you did not include ID with your voter registration application, you must include a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot application.  Acceptable forms of ID include: a copy of a current and valid photo ID, such as a Maryland driver's license; MVA-issued ID card; student photo ID card; or an employee photo ID. If you don't have a photo ID you can submit a copy of a current utility bill; bank statement; government check; paycheck or; other government document that shows the your name and address.

Can I return my voted absentee ballot to a polling place?

Absolutely not.  You must mail or hand deliver your voted ballot to your County Board of Elections. Do NOT take your voted absentee ballot to the polls on election day. A voted absentee ballot turned in at the polls will not be counted.

I need an emergency absentee ballot.  Help!

Mailed or faxed absentee ballot applications are due the Tuesday before the election.  After this date, you may request an emergency absentee ballot if one of the following conditions arises:

• Your job will prevent you from voting in person
• You suffer a suddent illness or accident that prevents you from voting in person
• An immediate member of your family passes away or suffers a serious illness

Requests for emergency absentee ballots must be made in person at your County Board of Elections.  You may designate an agent to pickup and, if necessary, return the voted ballot.  If you have any questions about obtaining an emergency absentee ballot, please contact your County Board of Elections.

Additional Information