Maryland Voter's Guide: What you need to know about this historic 2024 election

Not only could this year's presidential race be historic, but so could the race for Maryland's U.S. Senate. Here you will find everything you need to know.

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This year's race for the White House will be a historic one as Vice President Kamala Harris will face off against former President Donald Trump.

But Maryland's U.S. Senate race could also make history, as Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is vying for the chamber against former Gov. Larry Hogan. If Alsobrooks wins, she would be the state's first Black senator. If Hogan wins, he could shift the balance of power in the Senate.

Here's what you need to know:

Dates at a glance

Registration deadline for voting online or by post: Oct 15
Application deadline for postal voting: Oct. 29 (Note: This is the date your mailed or faxed application must be received, not just mailed. You can request your absentee ballot in person at your local elections board on Election Day, November 5.)
In-person early voting: You can register to vote on the same day. Early voting runs from October 24th to 31st – and that includes Saturday and Sunday.
Election day: November 5th. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. As long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you can cast your vote.
Deadline for returning your mail-in ballot: You have two options for returning your mail-in ballot: By post: Make sure your mail-in ballot is postmarked by November 5th at 8:00 p.m. To ensure your ballot is counted, the Board of Elections recommends that you return it as soon as you have completed it. By hand: You also have the option of handing in your ballot in person at an approved drop box or local election board until 8:00 p.m. on election day.

Visit WTOP Election 2024 Page for our comprehensive reporting.

More news about local elections

Personal vote

The Maryland State Board of Elections said that due to a change in the law, “we are now sending every voter an application for an absentee ballot.” The best time to vote in person is on weekends during early voting and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Election Day.”

The full list of early voting centers is available online from the Maryland Board of Elections.

Of course, voting in person is possible on election day. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. As long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you can cast your vote.

And you can search for your polling place online.

Postal voting

These are your mail-in ballots, but the board said the law requires mail-in ballots to be referred to as “mail-in ballots” in case there is any confusion.

If you vote by mail, your ballot must be mailed, placed in a ballot box, taken to a polling place, early voting center, or local board November 5th, 8 p.m for the presidential elections. If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day in order to be counted.

What's on the ballot?

In addition to electing candidates for office, Maryland voters will also be asked whether an amendment enshrining abortion rights should be added to the state constitution.

Race for President

Democratic ticket: Kamala Harris/Tim Walz

Republican ticket: Donald Trump/JD Vance

US Senate

Democratic ticket: Angela Alsobrooks

Republican ticket: Larry Hogan

US House of Representatives

District 1

Democratic ticket: Blane H. Miller III

Republican ticket: Andy Harris (incumbent)

Libertarian ticket: Joshua O'Brien

District 2

Democratic ticket: Johnny Olszewski

Republican ticket: Kimberly Klacik

District 3

Democratic ticket: Sarah Elfreth

Republican ticket: Robert Steinberger

District 4

Democratic ticket: Glenn Ivey (incumbent)

Republican ticket: George McDermott

District 5

Democratic ticket: Steny Hoyer (incumbent)

Republican ticket: Michelle Talkington

District 6

Democratic ticket: April McClain Delaney

Republican ticket: Neil Parrott

District 7

Democratic ticket: Kweisi Mfume (incumbent)

Republican ticket: Scott Collier

District 8

Democratic ticket: Jamie Raskin (incumbent)

Republican ticket: Cheryl Riley

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