Eligibility

To be a registered voter in Baltimore 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;
• Has not been convicted more than once of a disqualifying crime; and not under guardianship for mental disability.

How to Register to Vote

Complete a voter registration application and return it to the Board of Elections.

• If a voter registered by mail after January 1, 2003, Federal law requires that the voter provide identification information before casting his or her vote in the upcoming elections.  To avoid presenting identification information at the time of voting, the voter should send the board of elections one of the following:

1. A copy of a current or valid photo identification;
2. A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, grovernment 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:

• Baltimore County Board of Elections (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 and/or Requested Information to Register to Vote

• Your name, address, and telephone number
• Your date of birth, place of birth and gender
• Your citizenship status
• Your party affiliation
• If previously registered, the name and address on your prior registration
• Signature

When to Register

You may register or change your information at any time except 21 days before and 11 days after a Primary Election, and 21 days before and 11 days after a General Election.

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 or by mail.

• 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.

When Am I Registered to Vote?

You are considered a registered voter only upon receipt of your voter notification card from the Board of Elections.

Voter Notification Card

After you register or any time you change your information, you will receive a voter notification card including the following information:

• Your name and address
• Date issued
• The affiliation of your choice
• The name and address of your polling place
• Your Election District and Precinct, Legislative, Congressional and Councilmanic Districts
• Voter identification number

Overseas Citizens

Maryland waives registration for most overseas citizens who are eligible to vote in Federal Elections only. Contact your Board of Elections for additional information.

Voter Registration Volunteer

If you wish to hold a registration drive in your community, church, social club, etc., you and your group must be certified. For groups of 20 or more call the Board of Elections to make special arrangements. For an individual class come in person Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Voter Restoration Act of 2002 - Effective January 1, 2003

The Voter Restoration Act amended the qualifications to register to vote in Maryland for criminal offenders.  These qualifications are contained in the Election Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, A?3-102.  Before the 2002 legislation, an individual who was convicted more than once of an infamous crime (that is, any felony or any other crime involving deceit, fraud, or corruption) was permanently disqualified from registering or voting in Maryland, unless the individual received a pardon from the Govenor.

The Voter Restoration Act gives qualified reformed offenders an opportunity to register to vote and participate in the election process.  An individual qualifies to register to vote if:

a)  he/she has been pardoned;

b)  he/she has completed the court-ordered sentence imposed for a first conviction; or

c)  for a second or later conviction, he/she has completed the court ordered sentence imposed and has waited three years following the completion of that sentence.

Completion of the court-ordered sentence requires the service of any time in prison, as well as the completion of all probation, parole, and community service and the payment of all restitution and fines.  The act prohibits individuals who have been convicted of buying or selling votes, and those convicted more than once of any crime or crimes of violence (listed in Criminal Law Art., A?14-101) from registering to vote.