How to Vote

Voting is easy, but the options you have can sometimes feel complex. Here are the different options you have for voting.

Note that many of the Maryland resources linked below do have Spanish language options if needed. For other languages, we recommend using the Vote.gov website and using the “Select language” option at the top of the page.

Election Day is November 5, 2024. You can vote on Election Day by going to your polling station (the location at which you assigned to vote). To find your polling place, go to the “Check Your Registration” section above, where the linked websites will provide your polling place. In Maryland, all polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are using UMBC as your voter registration address, your likely polling station will be (though you should double-check) the Western School Of Technology: 100 Kenwood Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21228

When you go to vote, make sure to bring:

  • A copy of a current and valid photo ID (i.e., Maryland driver’s license, MVA ID card, student, employee, or military ID card, U.S. passport, or any other State or federal government-issued ID card); or
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address. Current means that the document is dated within 3 months of the election.

Note that in the state of Maryland, you can also register to vote in-person on Election Day.

Want to avoid the crowds during Election Day, but still want to vote in-person? Early voting is an option for you. Early voting in the state of Maryland is from October 24, 2024 to October 31, 2024 at designated early voting centers, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To check early voting periods in other states, click here. (Note that as of the beginning of the fall semester, New Hampshire and Alabama voters do not have an early voting option.)

If you are using UMBC as your voter registration address, the closest early voting center will be the Arbutus Recreation Center: 865 Sulphur Spring Road, Halethorpe, MD 21227

When you go to vote, make sure to bring:

  • A copy of a current and valid photo ID (i.e., Maryland driver’s license, MVA ID card, student, employee, or military ID card, U.S. passport, or any other State or federal government-issued ID card); or
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address. Current means that the document is dated within 3 months of the election.

Note that in the state of Maryland, you can also register to vote in-person during early voting.

Mail-In voting is a way to fill out your ballot at home and then drop it off in a designated location. You must mail or hand deliver your mail-in ballot to a voting location, a ballot drop off box, or your local board of elections. You cannot email or fax your voted mail-in ballot. UMBC will have a ballot drop off box in the Commons, located to the right of the information desk in the Commons (no postage stamp is required). You must first request your ballot and complete it before dropping it off. For more information about mail-in voting in general, click here.

The information below is for voters registered in the state of Maryland. However, early voting procedures (also known elsewhere at “absentee voting”) can vary widely from state to state. Importantly, some states outside of Maryland will not allow you to request a mail-in ballot unless you have a reason, so you should check early if this is an option for you just in case you need to plan to vote in-person. Use this website to be directed to your state’s mail-in voting page.

How do I request a mail-in ballot?

In Maryland, if you plan to have your ballot mailed to you, you must request your ballot by October 29, 2024. If you plan to have the ballot delivered to you electronically, you must request your ballot by November 1, 2024. You have three options in Maryland for requesting a mail-in ballot:

In the state of Maryland, you also have the option of being added to the mail-in ballot list permanently (using the same forms above), meaning you will not have to request the mail-in ballot for future elections as the state will automatically send you a mail-in ballot. Do not register for this option if you plan to participate in early voting on in-person voting on Election Day.

You can use the voter lookup page to check the status of your request.

How do I vote once I’ve received my mail-in ballot?

You must read the instructions carefully on your mail-in ballot to ensure your vote is counted, as even small errors could disqualify your vote. Some important notes:

  • You must fill out the ballot you receive (including if you received it electronically) on paper with a black pen.
  • Do not sign your name or make any other mark on your ballot.

You must mail or hand deliver your mail-in ballot to a voting location, a ballot drop off box (UMBC will have a drop-off box in the Commons), or your local board of elections. You cannot email or fax your voted mail-in ballot.

If you are participating in a study abroad program or any activity where you are temporarily residing outside of the United States, you can still vote via a mail-in ballot. First, make sure to check your voter registration using the links above.

To request your mail-in ballot, you should complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) online. Make sure to follow the directions carefully to request your ballot and submit it correctly. Under “Residence,” you should enter your permanent United States address, and under “Address,” you should put the place where you would like your ballot to be mailed. You must print your ballot and mail it, including postage.

You can find more information on voting while overseas at this webpage.

The specific way in which you are able to vote if you are registered in a state other than Maryland will depend on the state. Typically, like those voting in Maryland, the same general rules apply:

  • You need to register by a certain deadline. See here for a list of voter registration deadlines for each state. You can use the form on our Voter Registration page to be directed to your state’s voter registration information.
  • If voting with a mail-in/absentee ballot, you need to request the ballot. See here for a list of mail-in/absentee ballot deadlines, including links to each state’s mail-in/absentee ballot information. Note that many states require you to have a sufficient excuse for needing a mail-in ballot, which could include the fact that you are attending school in another state.
  • For in-person voting:
    • You may be able to vote early in-person during an early voting period. See here for a list of early voting dates for each state. This option would require you to travel to your designated early voting location, which you can typically find on your state’s voting page. Note that there are a small number of states that do not offer early voting.
    • Election Day is November 5, and you can vote in-person on this day at your designated polling location. You should be able to find this by checking your voter registration on the elections website for the state in which you are registered.
  • For voting with a mail-in/absentee ballot:
    • You may return you ballot by mail or in-person, where the specific location you should deliver the ballot will depend on your state. Instructions should come with the mail-in/absentee ballot when you receive it.
    • You may drop you ballot into the ballot box that will be located on the 1st floor of the Commons, to the right of the information desk.

Below is information about voting in a few common states that UMBC students come from.

To vote in Pennsylvania, you need to register by October 21. You cannot register in-person during early voting or on Election Day.

If you are planning to vote with a mail-in/absentee ballot, you must request the ballot by October 29 at 5 p.m. Your ballot must be received by your county election office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter can request a mail-in/absentee ballot without specifying a reason.

If you are planning to vote in-person, you must travel to your designated polling location. You can also vote early by casting a mail-in/absentee ballot in-person at your designated early voting location from September 16 to Election Day. Identification is not required to vote, but is good to bring regardless.

To vote in Virginia, you need to register by October 15. You can also register in-person during early voting or on Election Day.

If you are planning to vote with a mail-in/absentee ballot, you must request the ballot by October 25 at 5 p.m. Your ballot must be returned to your local general registrar’s office by 7 p.m. on Election Day or be postmarked on or before Election Day. Any voter can request a mail-in/absentee ballot without specifying a reason.

If you are planning to vote in-person, you must travel to your designated polling location. You can also vote early at your designated early voting location from September 21 to November 2. Identification is required to vote.

To vote in New Jersey, you need to register by October 15. You cannot register in-person during early voting or on Election Day.

If you are planning to vote with a mail-in/absentee ballot, you must request the ballot by October 29. Your ballot must be returned to your county’s Board of Elections Office or postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter can request a mail-in/absentee ballot without specifying a reason.

If you are planning to vote in-person, you must travel to your designated polling location. You can also vote early at your designated early voting location from October 26 to November 3. Identification is not required to vote, but is good to bring regardless.

Making a Plan to Vote

Every election, many who intended to vote simply forget, get too busy, or find themselves unable to vote on Election Day. While there are many things we can do as a community to make voting more accessible, it is also important to make a plan to vote. Below are some tips on making that plan and ensuring you cast your vote:

(1) Check your registration and/or register to vote

Be sure to check your registration ahead of your state’s registration deadline, which, in the state of Maryland, is October 15, 2024. If you are not registered, make sure to register before your state’s registration deadline; it should only take a few minutes! If you plan to vote in-person, you can also register in-person during early voting or on Election Day in the state of Maryland. However, we suggest you plan to register online, rather than waiting for in-person registration when it is more likely for people to find they don’t have time.

(2) Find the voting option that works best for you

In the state of Maryland, voters have three voting options: voting by mail-in ballot, voting in-person during early voting, or voting in-person on Election Day. Make sure to check the options that are available in your state.

When deciding the option that works best for you, possible factors to consider are schedule conflicts, reliable transportation, potential wait time, familiarity, convenience, eligibility to vote by mail (in some states, you need a reason to vote by mail), being out-of-state or out of the country, etc.

(3) Research the candidates and positions

Learn where the candidates on your ballot stand on issues and about possible ballot measures. For larger federal and state races, voters guides summarizing the candidates’ stances can be found on our Voting Education page.

While it is encouraged to learn about every race that you can vote in, note that you do not have to vote in every race on your ballot. For example, if you are only sure of who you would like to vote for president, you can mark your preferred presidential candidate and leave all the other races blank. Your vote for president will still be counted.

(4) Share with friends and family

Personal relationships are more likely to increase voter turnout than campaign activity. Sharing your plan to vote with your friends and family may encourage them to create their own plans and clear up any confusion they may have. In fact, making a plan to vote together is a great way to hold each other accountable.

Need help on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about voting? These voting conversation guides can help.

(5) Go vote!

Cast your ballot and make your voice heard!

Know your rights before, during, and after voting in the state of Maryland.

Encounter any problems on Election Day? Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)