Election 2026: What You Need To Know
Presidential elections generate the biggest headlines, but non-presidential election years often hold more significance for Maryland voters. At the national level, midterm elections dominate coverage because control of Congress can change. In Maryland, however, voters will decide numerous down-ballot races that determine state and local leadership.
Informed St. Mary’s will provide informational election coverage beginning with this post and continuing through the general election in November.
Resources and Important Information
The Maryland State Board of Elections website for the 2026 gubernatorial election is a one-stop resource for voters. Residents can register to vote or check their registration status, find a polling place, request and track a ballot, review the election calendar, and see a list of candidates. New this year is an app launched by the state board of elections called Go Vote MD, a more mobile-friendly version of the state’s website.
Important dates to remember include:
June 2: Last day to register or change party affiliation to vote in the primary election.
June 11–18: Early voting for the primary election.
June 16: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to you.
June 19: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to download and print.
June 23: Primary election day. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this date if mailed, or returned to a polling place or ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
July 7: Voter registration reopens.
Oct. 13: Last day to register or change party affiliation to vote in the general election.
Oct. 22–29: Early voting for the general election.
Oct. 27: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to you.
Oct. 30: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to download and print.
Nov. 3: General election day.
The St. Mary’s County Board of Elections website includes information on how to become an election judge, locations of ballot drop boxes, early voting and election day polling sites, and maps of County Commissioner and Legislative districts.
Offices on the Ballot
This year’s primary election in June will have a significant impact on Southern Maryland’s representation at the federal level due to the retirement of Congressman Steny Hoyer. Thirty candidates have filed for the seat, including three unaffiliated candidates, three Republicans and 24 Democrats. Based on voter registration in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, it is likely the contest will be decided in the Democratic primary.
State-level offices on the ballot include governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general, state senator, state delegate and judge of the Circuit Court.
At the county level, voters will see all five County Commissioner seats on the ballot. In addition, voters will elect the county treasurer, state’s attorney, clerk of the Circuit Court, register of wills, judge of the Orphans’ Court, sheriff, members of the Democratic and Republican central committees, and two Board of Education members.
The full candidate listing is available by statewide and local offices, including contact information and website and social media links, if provided, for each candidate.
Informed St. Mary’s will publish additional election coverage leading up to the June primary election.
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