Apply for a Ballot
Polling places in Maryland will be open on Election Day, November 3, 2020, and early voting centers will be open October 22-29. In addition, every eligible voter will be sent an absentee ballot application.
Voting by absentee ballot is the only method that allows you to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19 and long lines resulting from a severe shortage of election workers. It's your decision to make.
Indeed, there’s no need to wait -- you can submit an application for your mail-in/absentee ballot now. This will save the Board of Elections the time and expense of mailing you an application. Get your application for a mail-in/absentee ballot one of the following ways:
- Online: Access the online application here. You must have a Maryland driver’s license or other MVA issued card to apply online. The online process is also used for voter registration so by using it you will make sure your voter registration is correct. The online application can also be accessed by texting VBM to 77788.
- By Mail: Print out the form in English or Spanish, fill it out, and return by mail, email, fax or in person to the Board of Elections.
- By Phone: Call the Montgomery County Board of Elections, 240-777-8550
On your application, when answering “How do you want to receive your ballot?” please check “in the mail” (if using online application) or "U.S. MAIL" (if using paper application). If you choose any other option you will print your ballot at home on paper that is not recognized by the ballot-scanning equipment, requiring extra work by the Board of Elections to transfer your selections to a paper ballot the scanner will recognize.
Finally, if you are healthy and willing to work as an election judge contact the Board of Elections now as there is a critical shortage of available election workers.