Get Election Ready: Your Quick Checklist for Nov. 3

With the November 3, 2026, midterm elections quickly approaching, we are entering a critical period in our nation's democratic process. Every election matters. Every community matters. And every vote matters.

Early voting in Maryland wraps up this week, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Whether you are casting your first ballot or your 20th, a few minutes of planning now can make voting quick and stress-free. Faculty, staff and students can use this checklist to get ready.

• Check your registration. Confirm you are registered and that your address is current with the Maryland State Board of Elections voter lookup at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch. Not registered? Maryland offers same-day registration on Election Day.
• Preview your ballot. The same lookup tool shows your sample ballot, so you can review the federal, state and local races and any ballot questions before you go.
• Know where to go. During early voting, you may vote at any early voting center in the county where you live. On Election Day, vote at your assigned polling place. Find both at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch. On November 3 only, The polls will be open beginning at 7a.m. and close at 8 p.m. in BSU's Mckeldin Gymnasium.
• Mark your calendar.
  • Last two days of early voting: Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote.
  • Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Voting by mail? Request a ballot by email at elections.maryland.gov by Friday, Oct. 30. Return it by mail postmarked on or before Nov. 3, or drop it at an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Check the status of your Maryland mail-in ballot.
• Registered in another state? Visit vote.gov for your home state's deadlines and options.

For more information, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections at elections.maryland.gov.