In an effort to limit crowds at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3, and decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19, states are making it easier for citizens to vote absentee by mail this year, but absentee voting rules vary by state.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore urges students, faculty, staff, and community members to know and follow the rules for Maryland or whichever state in which you reside by visiting your state election office website or contacting local election officials to see if you can vote by mail this year.
The National Association of Secretaries of State also has a Can I Vote webpage that will take you to your state’s absentee voting page.
Maryland’s State Board of Elections website includes information and instructions on mail-in voting and answers the following questions.
- Who may vote by mail-in ballot?
- How do I request a mail-in ballot?
- What is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot?
- How do I know if my request for a ballot was received and processed?
- Can I have someone pick up my ballot?
- How will I receive my mail-in ballot?
- How do I vote my mail-in ballot?
- How do I return my voted ballot?
- Can I have help voting?
- What should I do if I haven’t received my ballot?
- What should I do if my ballot is damaged or I made a mistake on my ballot?