The Community Engagement Center will serve as an official early voting site for Maryland voters. Early voting ends Thursday, June 18.
This spring, I had the opportunity to attend election judge training hosted by the Baltimore City Board of Elections, an experience that has been on my bucket list for years. The training cohort was diverse and intergenerational, creating a rich and engaging learning environment. Facilitators were thorough and interactive, guiding us through hands-on activities that brought the role to life.
Serving as an election judge is more than a civic duty, it’s a powerful learning experience, especially for those of us in health and human services careers. It provides an opportunity to engage directly with diverse populations, better understand the barriers communities may face, and build empathy through real-world interaction. This experience strengthens our ability to serve with compassion, clarity, and cultural awareness.
Election judges serve in a strictly nonpartisan role, reinforcing core values of fairness, neutrality, and equity, principles that align closely with our professional commitments. Supporting safe, transparent, and accessible elections is one way we can extend those values beyond our day-to-day work.
The experience deepened my appreciation for the democratic process and the critical role local communities play in sustaining it. What stood out most was how accessible and community-centered the work of election judges truly is. We were trained on voter welcome standards and how to support individuals with varying physical and reading abilities. From creating a welcoming environment to ensuring every voter can successfully navigate the process, election judges are the front line of democracy in action.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Community Engagement Center (16 S. Poppleton St., Baltimore 21201) will once again serve as an official early voting site for Maryland voters. Having an early voting location right in West Baltimore brings the voting process directly into the community, reducing barriers and making civic participation more convenient, accessible, and inclusive.
In Maryland:
- Early voting for the primary election will take place over eight consecutive days, from Thursday, June 11, through Thursday, June 18, including the weekend.
- Early voting for the general election will take place over eight consecutive days, from Thursday, Oct. 22, through Thursday, Oct. 29, including the weekend.
Polls are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will still have the opportunity to vote. This expanded access allows voters greater flexibility to cast their ballots at a time that works best for them.
On Election Day, voters should go to their assigned polling place between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election: Election Day is Tuesday, June 23
- 2026 Gubernatorial General Election: Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3
Maryland also offers excellent educational resources to help voters stay informed and combat misinformation. One standout tool is the state’s Rumor Control page, which provides clear, factual responses to common myths and misconceptions about voting: Rumor Control Page.
For those interested in serving, Maryland makes it easy to get involved. You can sign up to become an election judge and learn more about the role: Maryland Board of Elections Get Involved Page.
State employees can also review eligibility and participation details through the Election Judge State Employee Administrative Leave FAQ.
Another exciting opportunity is for young people. Maryland offers programs for teens, many of whom have the day off on Election Day, to serve as election judges or aides. This creates a meaningful opportunity for early civic engagement and even multigenerational bonding, as family members can serve together while supporting their communities: Maryland Board of Elections Get Involved Page.
Looking ahead to the fall, UMB will host a variety of UMB Votes sessions to provide information, resources, and opportunities for civic engagement. Please keep an eye out for upcoming updates and consider getting involved, whether by voting, volunteering, or helping spread awareness.
Participating in election work has reminded me that democracy is not a distant concept, it lives in our neighborhoods, our institutions, and our everyday actions. And at UMB, we have a unique opportunity to support it right where we are.
If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to dl-ssle@umaryland.edu.