Maryland’s general election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and voters can cast a ballot in person before that day. This guide sets out the dates and hours published by the Maryland State Board of Elections, and a few practical checks to make while there is still time.
When is the 2026 general election?
According to the State Board of Elections, the general election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. That is the last day to vote, and polling places have fixed hours, covered below.
When can you vote early?
Early voting runs from Thursday, October 22, 2026, through Thursday, October 29, 2026. The Board’s schedule includes Saturday and Sunday, so the period covers eight consecutive days, weekend included. Each early voting center is open continuously from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each of those days.
Early voting is useful for anyone who knows their Election Day will be busy: it spreads voting over more days and more hours than a single Tuesday.
What are the polling hours on Election Day?
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on November 3, 2026. It is simpler to arrive well before the end of the day than to cut it fine.
The key dates at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 22, 2026 | Early voting begins (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) |
| Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 | Early voting continues over the weekend |
| Thursday, October 29, 2026 | Last day of early voting |
| Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Election Day (polls 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) |
What should you check before you go?
A few quick steps make the visit smoother:
- Confirm your registration. The State Board of Elections runs the state’s voter registration records and publishes the current deadlines and options. Check your status and any deadline that applies to you rather than assuming it from a previous election.
- Find the right location. Early voting centers and Election Day polling places are not necessarily the same, so check where you are assigned on each day.
- Know what is on your ballot. The Board and local boards of elections publish sample ballots. Looking at one beforehand means fewer decisions in the booth.
- Choose your day. If you prefer a quieter visit, an early voting weekday is often an option; if you prefer to vote on the day itself, plan around the 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. window.
Why the details matter
Elections are decided by the people who actually vote, and small logistical problems, such as going to the wrong location or arriving after closing time, are among the most avoidable reasons people miss out. The dates above are fixed in the Board’s published calendar, so the practical task for voters is simply to choose a day and a time.
For readers who want to understand what the people elected in November go on to do, our explainer on how the Maryland General Assembly works covers the legislature’s 90-day session and its budget powers, and our opinion column on early voting argues for choosing a voting day now.
Dates and hours are those published by the Maryland State Board of Elections at the time of writing. Confirm details with the Board or your local board of elections before you vote.
Sources: Maryland State Board of Elections
