Maryland Voters: Key Deadlines Loom for Mail-In Ballot Requests in Upcoming Gubernatorial Primary

The Maryland State Board of Elections is reminding registered voters that crucial deadlines for requesting mail-in ballots for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election are fast approaching. These deadlines are essential for voters who wish to cast their ballot remotely, ensuring their vote is counted in the upcoming election.

For voters who prefer to receive their mail-in ballot via postal mail or fax, their request must be submitted and received by the State Board of Elections no later than June 16, 2026. Those who opt to receive their ballot electronically, through email, have a slightly extended deadline of Friday, June 19, 2026, provided their request is submitted online. The state has provided a dedicated webpage on its election website for voters to initiate their mail-in ballot requests.

Once voters have received and completed their mail-in ballots, there are specific procedures for their return. Ballots sent back through the mail must be postmarked on or before 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Alternatively, voters can return their ballots in person. These hand-delivered ballots must be submitted to an early voting center during the early voting period, or deposited at a designated ballot drop box or a local board of elections office by the 8 p.m. deadline on June 23. Information regarding the locations for early voting centers and ballot drop boxes is available on the state’s election website.

Beyond mail-in options, registered Maryland voters have two other avenues to cast their vote in the Gubernatorial Primary. They can choose to vote early in person or participate in Election Day in-person voting. Early in-person voting will be available from Thursday, June 11, through Thursday, June 18, with voting centers open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. on any of these early voting days will be permitted to cast their ballot. A comprehensive list of early voting center locations can be accessed through the state’s election website.

For those who prefer to vote on the official Primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 23, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is important for voters to cast their ballots at their assigned polling place on Election Day. Voters can confirm their designated polling location by visiting the State Board of Elections website.

Voters who previously requested a mail-in ballot and received one before May 14 are reminded that a replacement ballot was sent out at the end of May. It is imperative that these voters use and return this replacement ballot to ensure that their vote for the correct political party is properly tabulated. Voters can track the status of their requested and returned ballot through a dedicated tracking tool on the state’s election website. Additional comprehensive information regarding the Maryland Primary Election, including all relevant deadlines for ballot return, can be found on the state’s election website or by downloading the free “Go Vote Maryland!” mobile application, available for both Android and iOS devices.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Board of Elections.

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