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Voting Information for 2020 Elections

Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger has working hard to ensure Americans are able to safely exercise their right to vote this November as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, please find answers to frequently asked questions we have been receiving so you can make sure your vote counts.

What are my options for voting this year? 

How do I register to vote?

  • Using Maryland’s Online Voter Registration System, available here, by October 13, 2020;
  • Mailing a voter registration application to the State Board of Elections or your county Board of Elections by October 13, 2020. You can find addresses for county boards here, or;
  • Utilizing the help of an election judge in-person on Election Day or during the early voting period.  You must provide proof of Maryland residence to register. Such proof includes:
    • An MVA-issued driver’s license;
    • ID card, or;
    • Other documents like a bank statement, utility bill, or paycheck. 

 I do not want vote in-person this year due to COVID-19. How do I vote by mail?

Any registered voter may vote by mail, however, the process for voting by mail during the general election will be different from the Maryland primary election. You must first submit an application to vote absentee or by mail.

  • Every registered voter will be automatically mailed a vote-by-mail application;
  • If you have a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID card, you can also request an absentee ballot or vote-by-mail application online from the State Board of Elections website here;
  • You must complete this application and mail it to your local board of elections by:
    • October 27, 2020, if you want to receive your ballot by mail or fax, or;
    • October 30, 2020, if you want to download your ballot from the state's website, and;
  • Completed ballots must be postmarked on, or before, November 3, 2020. Alternatively, ballots can be hand-delivered to a polling site during the early voting period or on Election Day.

I do not want vote in-person this year due to COVID-19. How do I vote by drop box?

At least 270 ballot drop-off boxes will be available statewide for the general election, up from 75 boxes available for the primary election. Drop box locations in the Second District are linked below.

How do I know my mailed-in ballot was counted?

You can check that your ballot was counted by visiting the State Board of Elections voter services site or by calling 1-800-222-8683.

What else do I need to know? 

  • This year, Marylanders who opt to vote in-person on Election Day will be given the choice to complete a paper ballot by hand or use an electronic marking device;
  • ID is not required to vote as long as your name is on the list of registered voters. You may be asked to provide ID if you registered by mail and have not previously met the identification requirements, someone in the polling place challenges your identity, or you are registering to vote during early voting, and;
  • You may bring one or two children under 18 years old with you to vote. However, due to COVID-19, please minimize the number of persons you bring with you to vote if possible.