The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has announced the commencement of the mail-in ballot distribution process for the 2024 General Election. Beginning September 20, the first batch of ballots will be sent to voters who requested them, with over 578,000 ballots being mailed and more than 91,000 being delivered electronically through web access.
Voters who opted for mail-in ballots should expect them to arrive within five days. The process of mailing out ballots marks the beginning of an important election phase in Maryland, as the state prepares for its Presidential General Election on November 5.
For those who have not yet requested mail-in ballots, there is still time to do so. Requests for ballots to be mailed must be received no later than October 29, while the deadline for requesting web-delivered ballots is November 1. Detailed information on how to request mail-in ballots is available on the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website.
“Mail-in ballots are a convenient and secure way to cast your vote in the upcoming election,” said State Administrator Jared DeMarinis. “Marylanders who want to cast a mail-in ballot should submit their request as soon as possible and have a plan to cast their ballot either by secure drop box or the U.S. Postal Service. Voters with questions about their voting options should contact SBE or follow us on social media as their trusted source of election information.”
Ballot Drop Box Locations Established Across Maryland
In addition to the mail-in ballot process, SBE has announced the installation of 286 ballot drop boxes throughout the state. These drop boxes are available for use by all registered voters, allowing them to submit their completed ballots at any official location in their county of residence. A full list of these drop box locations is available online in both English and Spanish.
Voters using the drop boxes must ensure that their ballots are submitted by 8 p.m. on November 5. Alternatively, ballots sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be postmarked on or before November 5 to be counted.
https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/2024%20Early%20Voting%20Centers%20v1.pdfMaryland voters have three ways to cast their ballots in this election: by mail, through early voting, or in person on Election Day. The early voting period will run from October 24 through October 31, with voting centers open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A list of early voting centers is also available on the SBE website in Spanish.
For those planning to vote in person on Election Day, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 5. The SBE has advised that some polling locations have changed since the July Primary Election, and voters are encouraged to check their polling place ahead of time through the SBE’s “Find My Polling Place” portal.
Key Deadlines and Registration Encouragement
The upcoming General Election is not just about casting votes; it is also an opportunity for Marylanders to ensure they are registered and eligible to vote. As part of National Voter Registration Month, SBE is encouraging residents to register online or in person at their local board of elections office. The deadline for advance registration is October 15.
Marylanders who are interested in getting more involved in the election process can sign up to serve as election judges. This role is vital in ensuring smooth operations at polling places, and SBE has provided an online interest form for those willing to participate.
With voting options available through the mail, in drop boxes, and in person during early voting or on Election Day, Maryland is making efforts to ensure that all eligible voters can easily participate in this critical election. However, the Board of Elections emphasizes the importance of making voting plans early and being aware of all deadlines to avoid any last-minute complications.
