To register to vote in the State of Maryland an individual must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a United States Citizen
- Be a Maryland resident
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Be at least 18 years old by the next General Election (you may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old but cannot vote unless you will be at least 18 years old by the next general election).
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Not be under guardianship for mental disability
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Not have been convicted of buying or selling votes
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Not have been convicted more than once of a crime of violence
- Not have been convicted of an infamous crime (any felony or other crime involving deceit, fraud, or corruption), unless you have been pardoned OR have completed the court-ordered sentence imposed (first conviction), OR at least 3 years has passed since you completed the court-ordered sentence imposed (second or later conviction)
Must register to vote before October 16, 2012 for the Presidential General Election. If using Maryland's Online Voter Registration System (OLVR), you must submit your application before 9:00 pm.
Can change or select party affiliation up to 90 days before the election.
Can register to vote in person or obtain a mail-in application from:
- County Board of Elections or the State Board of Elections
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The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
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The Department of Social Services
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The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
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Offices on Aging
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The MTA Paratransit Certification Office
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All public institutions of higher education
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Recruitment offices of the U.S. Armed Forces
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Marriage license offices
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Offices for students with disabilities at all Maryland colleges and universities
You can also obtain an online voter registration application.
Absentee Voting and Early Voting:
An absentee ballot application can be picked up at any county's Board of Elections as well as online.
Ballots are typically mailed approximately three weeks before an election.
The board of elections must receive the completed absentee ballot application by:
- 8:00 P.M. on the Tuesday before the election if this application is mailed.
- 11:59 P.M. on the Tuesday before the election if this application is faxed.
After the deadline, a Late Application for Absentee Ballot must be completed in person at the board of elections.
Ballots must be returned to the County Board of Elections on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day.
There is also the option of early voting. Early voting centers will be open from 11 days before Election Day to 5 days before Election Day, except Sunday. Hours are 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can find your early voting center online.
For more election and voter information you can contact the Maryland State Board of Elections.
