Voter Registration

Eligibility

To be a registered voter in Howard County, you must meet the following requirements.

• County resident;
• United States citizen;
• At least 18 years of age on or before the next general election;
• Not have been convicted of buying or selling votes;
• Not be under guardianship for mental disability;
• Not have been convicted of any felony unless;

- you have been pardoned
- You have completed the court ordered sentence imposed including parole and probation.

How to Register to Vote

You may apply to become a registered voter:

• At a local election board office or at the State Board office;
• At a registration site administered by a local election board;
• By mail
• When applying to the Motor Vehicle Administration for the issuance, renewal or modification of a driver's license or identification card;
• When applying for services at a voter registration agency such as:

1. Offices in Maryland which provide assistance;
2. Offices in Maryland which provide State-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to individuals with disabilities; and
3. Public institutions of higher education in Maryland
4. United States Post Office

• With the assistance of a voter registration volunteer.

You may also:

• Call the Election Office at 410-313-5820 and request a voter registration application be mailed to you; or
• Download a voter registration application from one of the following websites:
• www.electionsmaryland.com or www.elections.state.md.us Click on Frequently Asked Questions & Answers then Voter Registration Application; go to Download and click "in English" or "en sepanol".

The completed Voter Registration Application with an original signature must be returned to the Election Office - online registration is not available and faxed or emailed applications can not be accepted.

If you have previously registered to vote in Maryland or in any other state, please provide the name and address shown on your last registration.

Party Affiliation

Party affiliation may be changed any time registration is open except during the 12-week period immediately preceding a primary election. All party affiliation changes must be requested in writing and signed by the voter.

1. A copy of a current or valid photo identification:
2. A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows the voter's name and address.

If the voter is required to provide identification information but fails to do so before voting, the voter will be issued a provisional ballot. The provisional ballot will only be counted if the voter is duly registered and provides the identification information before the canvassing of the provisional ballots occurs.

How to Obtain an Application

Voter registration applications can be obtained at the following locations:

• (By telephone or in person)
• Local post offices
• Libraries
• Motor Vehicle Administration Offices
• County municipal offices
• All public assistance offices
• All offices providing state-funded programs
• State Board of Elections (download the application online)

Required Information

The following information is required to complete the registration application:

• Name, address and telephone number;
• Citizenship status;
• Date of birth and gender;
• Maryland Drivers License Number; or
• Social Security Number - provide only if you do not have a valid Maryland Drivers License Number (at least the last 4 digits must be provided); or
• State Assigned Identification Number - provide only if you do not have either a Maryland Drivers License Number or Social Security Number.

Party affiliation is optional. If it is not provided, the default will be Unaffiliated.

When to Register

You may register to vote any time Voter Registration is open. Registration closes beginning at 9 p.m. on the 21st day preceding an election and remains closed until the 11th day after the election.

Generally, any voter registration application received when registration is closed will be held by the Election Office and processed when registration re-opens. Your registration will not become effective and you will not be eligible to vote until registration re-opens and you have received your Voter Notification Card (VNC).

Registration in Maryland is Permanent

As long as you remain a resident of the county and keep your address current with the election office, your voter registration in Maryland is permanent.

Voter Information Changes

Registered voters are obligated to keep all information current. Any changes to information must be in writing with your signature. Changes may be made in person, by mail or by fax.

• You may change your affiliation at any time that registration is open except 12 weeks before a Primary Election.
• You may change other information within the period that registration is open.

Voter Registration: www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html

Application and Instructions: www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html

PDF Registration (English)www.elections.state.md.us/pdf/InternetVRA.pdf

Forms: www.elections.state.md.us/forms/index.html