What you need to know to cast your vote

The presidential election vote may be a foregone conclusion in Maryland, but there's still a lot at stake this November – from the future makeup of the Baltimore City Council and the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor to the replacement of Sen. Ben Cardin, which could potentially tip the scales could change the balance of power in the US Senate.

Leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th, we ask that you do as much homework as time allows. Browse our guide below for helpful resources and information as you finalize your voting plan.

How to register and vote

Early voting: In-person early voting will take place from October 24th to October 31st from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, including weekends. During this time, you may cast your vote at any early voting center in your jurisdiction. You can also register to vote during the early voting period by going to an early voting center in your county and presenting proof of residency – this can be an MVA-issued license, an ID card, a change of address card, or a paycheck from the Bank statement, utility bill or other government document with your name and address on it.

Postal voting: If you would like to receive your ballot by mail or fax, your printed request form must be received by October 29th (not just by mail). If you would like to request a mail-in ballot using the state's online form, your request must be received by November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Further information about postal voting can be found here.

Voting on election day: In Maryland, eligible citizens can also register to vote on Election Day. Simply go to your polling station and bring a document stating where you live.

Key breeds

• Maryland's open U.S. Senate seat will help determine which party holds the majority of the upper chamber of Congress. Voters will also select the state's U.S. Representative slate, which includes three open seats. In the race for U.S. Senate, Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat from Prince George's County, is running against former Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican.
• The resignation of Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes as well as the vacancy created by David Trone's unsuccessful Democratic primary bid for the US Senate have also left several seats in Congress open. Locally, in District 2, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, a Democrat, faces radio talk show host Kimberly Klacik, a Republican. In District 3, Democratic Senator Sarah Elfreth faces Republican attorney Robert Steinberger.
• In Baltimore City, voters will cast ballots for mayor, comptroller, city council president and all city council members.

Questions about city elections

Of the eight referendums in Baltimore City, two questions have received the most intense scrutiny.

• Approval of Question F, which relates to “Inner Harbor Park,” would rezone Harborplace and allow the construction of private housing, i.e., condo towers, to replace the original twin pavilions. A vote against Question F would prevent the zoning change and proposed high-rise residential construction in Harborplace.
• If Question H passes, it would amend the City Charter to reduce the number of Baltimore City Council districts, and therefore elected representatives, from 14 to 8. A vote against Question H would maintain the current size of the City Council.

Sample ballot paper

Here you can check your registration status and find a sample ballot with all races, candidates and the full text of local and state referendums.