You have the option to register with any of Maryland’s recognized political parties. If you choose not to register with a party, you will be registered as “unaffiliated.” If registered as unaffiliated, you will generally not be able to vote in primary elections, but you will be able to vote in any nonpartisan primary election held in your jurisdiction, such as a primary election to select nominees for the board of education, and any general election.

Any registered Maryland voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

If you’ve voted in Maryland before, you don’t need to provide ID to vote in person. If you’re voting for the first time in Maryland and submitted your registration by mail or you are registering at the polls, you may be asked to show photo identification and proof of address:

• 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
• Any other State or federal government-issued ID card
• A copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address and that is dated within 3 months of the election