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  Register to Vote  

Voting is a right. It makes democracy work. All citizens are entitled to choose who represents them at every level.  Voting is how we make our voices heard. The first step is to register to vote.

 Who Can Register to Vote in Maryland? 

To register to vote in Maryland, you must be
  • At least 16 years old; however, to vote you must be 18 years old on or before the next General Election
  • A citizen of the United States, and
  • A resident of Maryland

Go to Voter Registration Eligibility for the list of disqualifying conditions.

Students enrolled in a Maryland institution of higher education may find guidance under What is my Residential Address?

 How Do I Register? 


  • Register online if you have a valid Maryland driver’s license or Maryland-issued identification card or
  • Download a voter registration application, complete and sign it, and return the original by mail or in person to the Board of Elections or
  • Obtain a form in person from the Board of Elections, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), county libraries, county offices and other locations. See Where Do I Register? or
  • Text VOTE to 77788 or
  • Call the Board of Elections at 240-777-8500 (Braille applications are available) or
  • Register and vote the same day during Early Voting or on Election Day. You must bring identification that proves where you live.  Go to The Registration Process for the list of documents that provide proof of residency.
How Often Do I Have To Register?

In Maryland, your voter registration is permanent as long as you keep your Maryland address current.

 Keep Your Registration Up To Date 

Keeping your registration up to date is necessary to ensure that you are directed to the correct precinct and that you receive the correct ballot.


To update your address before the next election, do the following at least 21 days before the election:

  • Use Maryland's Online Voter Registration system or submit a voter registration application or by sending a letter that includes your signature to the Montgomery County Board of Elections.
  • If you cannot update your registration at least 21 days before the election, vote during the early voting period at one of the early voting centers in Montgomery County and bring a document that proves where you live. Go to The Registration Process for the list of documents that provide proof of residency.
  • If you encounter any difficulties in proving your new address you will be permitted to vote via a provisional ballot.
 Should I Register With A Party? 

Party affiliation is your choice. When you select a party affiliation, you are choosing only which ballot you will receive in the Primary Election.
  • In the Primary Election, only registered Republicans can vote for Republican candidates and only registered Democrats can vote for Democratic candidates.
  • Voters who are affiliated with other parties or have no party affiliation (Unaffiliated) can vote in the Primary Election only for the nonpartisan Board of Education offices.
  • In the November General Election, all registered voters may vote for any candidate or ballot issue.
 Confirmation of Voter Registration or Changes to Registration


  • You will receive aVoter Notification Card from the State Board of Elections when you register to vote or update your registration.
    • The card includes your name, address, party affiliation, polling place location and election districts for your residence.
    • If you have not received a card within three weeks after submitting a new or updated voter registration application, call the Board of Elections office at (240) 777-8500.
  • You also can can verify your registration using Voter Lookup on the State Board of Elections website.
More Information



Get Involved: Volunteer to Register Voters

Montgomery County Board of Elections offers
weekly training to become
 a Volunteer Voter Registrar.

  Sign up for training
  After successful completion of the training, volunteer with the League to register voters.



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