Voting by Mail in the Old Line State

This blog was first published by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

The June Primary has come and gone but the 2020 Election has barely hit its stride. Even as we are facing the rise and fall and rise again of COVID-19 infections, Marylanders are preparing to go to the polls in November.

To pass strong environmental legislation, we must have the right elected officials in office. Nothing is more important to that goal than a robust election where voters'—all voters'— voices are heard and champions are elected that reflect their conservation values over the interests of those who would destroy forests and eliminate environmental protections.

To advocate for a fair, free, and safe election, Maryland League of Conservation Voters is part of a large and diverse coalition called "Everyone Votes Maryland." We hope you will engage in our campaign—including spreading the word—to ensure its success.

Looking forward through this public health crisis to a critical national election, it is essential that every registered voter makes a plan on how they will vote. Here are some simple next steps:

• Check your registration:
  All registered Maryland voters will be sent mail-in ballot applications in advance of the election November 3. Since ballot and ballot applications will not be forwarded, it's important that everyone makes sure their registration is up-to-date.

  Check your status here: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch

• Apply for an absentee ballot:
  You don't have to wait for your absentee ballot application to arrive in the mail. Voting by mail is the best and safest way to make your voice heard. Not only is it secure, but it provides a guaranteed paper record of every vote in the case of a recount. In addition, it allows voters time to sit with their ballots and do research, which is especially important for voters with lower literacy levels, or whose first language is not English. Check out this great video on how request an absentee ballot request from Speaker Adrienne Jones.

  • To start, visit https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1

  • To receive a ballot in the mail, you must request a ballot by no later than Tuesday, October 27.

  • Ballots can also be emailed if they are requested on or before Thursday, October 29.

  • You will need to know:

    • Your voter type (citizenship, military affiliation, etc.)

    • Your name

    • Your date of birth

    • Your State ID number and issue date. This could be a drivers license or MVA-issued ID. (Note that if you don't already have one, the website will send you to a Maryland Voter Registration Application, which will require an original signature and can not be emailed or faxed.)

    • Your address

    • Your political party (if any)

    • A contact phone number and email address

  You will be asked how you would like to receive your ballot, and be required to swear or affirm that your information is correct. You must be a United States Citizen, a Maryland resident, at least 16 years old, and not have a current conviction that eliminates voting eligibility. Note: previously convicted felons who have been released on parole or who have completed their time served are eligible to vote by Maryland state law.

• Voting by Mail
  Once you receive your ballot, you can review the candidates for office and cast your vote safely and securely.

  • Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3, 2020

  • For ballots sent by mail, postage will be pre-paid. No additional postage will be required.

  • For ballots received by email, voters are required to print and mail their ballots with the appropriate postage (two stamps)

  • Ballots should be signed and filled out with a black pen

  • Ballots MUST be signed to be considered valid.

• Voting in Person
  Some people prefer to vote in person, or have disabilities which make it essential to have in-person voting options. Not to worry! There will be opportunities for you to visit a voting center.

  • Each jurisdiction will have voting centers open for early voting from October 22–October 29th.

  • In-person voting options will also be available on November 3.

  • Voting centers will require voters to wear a mask in order to enter the facility, and social-distancing will be maintained.

  • Ballot marking devices will be available for voters with disabilities

  • Same-day registration will be available during early voting and on election day

  • Voters registering on-site may be required to fill out provisional ballots

Important Dates:

• Absentee ballots will begin being mailed on September 19

• The last day to pre-register to vote is October 13–you will still be able to register in person on election day at your polling location

• Early Voting for the General Election–Thursday, October 22, 2020 through Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

• The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 29

• The general election is November 3-your absentee ballot must be postmarked by this day

We need to stay vigilant and focused on ensuring every Marylander has the necessary tools and resources to vote. Stay tuned to see updates from us and our partners in Everyone Votes Maryland about the November elections. With so much at stake, we need all Marylanders to exercise their right to vote. It is one of the best actions you can take to protect and restore Maryland's land, air, water, and communities.

Kristen Harbeson is the Political Director at the Maryland League of Conservation Voters