Voting in person is not the only option in Maryland. The State Board of Elections allows any registered voter to vote by mail-in ballot, and the process is straightforward.
Who can vote by mail in Maryland?
Any registered voter may vote by mail-in ballot. You do not need a reason or excuse.
How do you request a mail-in ballot?
According to the State Board of Elections, there are three ways to request one:
- Online. If you have a Maryland driver’s license or a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) ID card, you can request your ballot through the Board’s online system.
- By form. You can read the instructions, enter the required information, print the form and sign it.
- Returning the signed form. Send the signed request to your local board of elections by mail, fax, in person, or by email with an attached image of the signed request.
How long does it take?
Requests for mail-in ballots may take about a week to process, so it helps to ask well before you need the ballot.
What is the permanent mail-in ballot list?
If you want a mail-in ballot for all future elections, you can sign up for the permanent mail-in ballot list when you request your ballot. Once you are on the list, the Board will send you a mail-in ballot for each future election.
What about military and overseas voters?
Military and overseas voters are treated differently. Maryland does not have a permanent absentee list for them, so they must apply for an absentee ballot for each primary and general election cycle.
Quick answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a reason? | No |
| Can I request online? | Yes, with a Maryland driver’s license or MVA ID |
| How long does processing take? | About a week |
| Is there a permanent list? | Yes, for mail-in ballots |
| Do military/overseas voters get one? | No, they apply each cycle |
Where this fits for the November election
Voters planning for November 3 should check the current deadline for requesting a ballot on the State Board of Elections website, since deadlines are set for each election. Our guide to the 2026 general election dates and hours covers in-person voting, and our opinion column argues for choosing a voting method early.
This article is a general guide. Rules and deadlines are set by the State Board of Elections and can change, so confirm them with the Board before you request a ballot.
Sources: Maryland State Board of Elections
