The Big Day: When and How to Vote
The 2026 Maryland General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and if you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote. For those who prefer to vote ahead of time, Maryland offers a week of in-person early voting from Thursday, October 22 through Thursday, October 29, also from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Alternatively, any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot. To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by your local board of elections by November 13, or they can be returned to an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline for most residents to register online or by mail is October 13, but Maryland also offers same-day registration
at early voting centers and on Election Day for those who can provide proof of residency.
Statewide Leadership: Governor and Executive Offices
At the top of the ticket are the state's four key executive offices. The race for Governor will determine the state's chief executive for the next four years. Incumbent Democrat Wes Moore is running for re-election alongside Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. In addition, voters will decide the state’s top legal officer in the Attorney General election, with incumbent Democrat Anthony Brown seeking another term. The fourth major statewide race is for Comptroller, the official responsible for managing the state's finances. Incumbent Democrat Brooke Lierman is also running for re-election. These officials have significant influence over Maryland's laws, budget, and legal direction.
Maryland's Voice in Washington
While there is no U.S. Senate race in Maryland this year, all eight of the state's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are on the ballot. Representatives serve two-year terms and act as Maryland's direct voice in federal lawmaking in Washington, D.C. Following the retirement of longtime Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the race for his 5th District seat is a notable open contest. Other key incumbents on the ballot include Democrats Kweisi Mfume (District 7), Jamie Raskin (District 8), and Glenn Ivey (District 4), as well as Republican Andy Harris (District 1). The results of these eight elections will help determine the balance of power in Congress.
All Eyes on Annapolis: The General Assembly
Every seat in the Maryland General Assembly is up for election in 2026. This includes all 47 seats in the State Senate and all 141 seats in the House of Delegates. These are the lawmakers who create and pass state-level legislation on everything from education and transportation to public safety and environmental policy. Democrats currently hold a supermajority in both chambers. The outcome of these races will determine the legislative landscape that the next governor will work with for the coming four years, impacting policy for every resident of the state.
Local Races and Statewide Questions
Beyond the major state and federal races, your ballot will be filled with critical local contests. These often include elections for county executive, county council, board of education, sheriff, and judicial positions like the Orphans' Court. In 2026, eight counties will hold elections for county executive, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Montgomery counties. Additionally, voters will decide on several statewide ballot questions. Three constitutional amendments have been certified for the ballot, addressing rules for state employee collective bargaining, appointments to the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, and the criteria used for congressional redistricting.
