Missed it? You can register and vote during early voting or on Election Day. Bring proof of where you live.
Key Dates
Last day to register in advance (online by 11:59 p.m.; in person by 5 p.m.; mail postmarked)
Early voting begins (7 a.m.–8 p.m.; same-day registration available)
Last day to request a mail-in ballot sent by mail or fax
Early voting ends
Last day to request a mail-in ballot delivered by internet (print at home)
Election Day (7 a.m.–8 p.m.); same-day registration; mail ballots must be postmarked or in a drop box by 8 p.m.
Mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day must arrive by 10 a.m.; local boards certify results
Deadline for statewide certification of results
Your Voting Checklist
Vote early in person from Thurs., Oct. 22 to Thurs., Oct. 29.
Vote by mail. Any voter can vote by mail. Request a ballot by Tues., Oct. 27. Request a mail ballot Return it by Tues., Nov. 3. Problem with your ballot? If you forgot to sign, your local board will contact you, and you can fix it online, by text, email, mail, or in person. Track your ballot
Bring the right ID. Most voters don't need to show ID. Some first-time voters may be asked for one. If asked, you can show a bill, bank statement, or paycheck with your name and address instead of a photo ID. See the official ID rules
Governor of Maryland since 2023; former Army officer, author and nonprofit CEO.
Stance on key issues
Voting rights & elections
Dan Cox Republican
In 2022, opposed the State Board of Elections' request to count mail-in ballots before Election Day, calling it unconstitutional. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
In April 2026, signed the Maryland Voting Rights Act, which allows challenges to local elections that dilute minority votes. Source
Policing, prisons & public safety
Dan Cox Republican
Says he will stop the spread of Flock license-plate cameras, which he calls unconstitutional, and support 'lawful policing' with accountability and resources. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
In 2024, pardoned about 175,000 people with low-level cannabis convictions. Source
Immigration
Dan Cox Republican
Says he wants to secure the border to fight increases in fentanyl trafficking. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
In February 2026, signed a law banning Maryland counties from 287(g) agreements with ICE. Source
Abortion & health care
Dan Cox Republican
Identifies as pro-life. In 2022, said he would end Medicaid funding for abortions. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Signed bills in 2023 to protect abortion access and backed the 2024 amendment adding reproductive freedom to the state constitution. Source
Economy, taxes & cost of living
Dan Cox Republican
Plans to cut the state income tax rate and corporate tax rate to 4.9% and reverse fees added under the current administration. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
His 2025 budget plan added higher income tax brackets for high earners while combining brackets for lower earners. Source
Workers & wages
Dan Cox Republican
Said in 2016 that he did not support raising the minimum wage. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Backed reaching a $15 minimum wage sooner and has supported tying the minimum wage to inflation. Source
Housing
Dan Cox Republican
No public position found.
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Pushed 2024 housing bills to speed up home building and add renter protections. Lawmakers passed the renter bills and a scaled-back building bill. Source
Schools
Dan Cox Republican
Says schools should be fully funded with every dollar going to classrooms. Has pushed for more parent involvement in schools. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Has said he wants to phase out the BOOST private-school scholarship program and focus on public schools. Source
Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights
Dan Cox Republican
Said in 2022 that he would ban transgender students from girls' school sports teams. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Signed the Trans Health Equity Act (2023), which requires Maryland Medicaid to cover gender-affirming care. Source
Climate & environmental justice
Dan Cox Republican
Wants to bring power plants back online and pursue small nuclear reactors and natural gas. Calls for a moratorium on all new data centers to protect farmland and waterways. Source
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Pledged in 2022 to support 100% carbon-free electricity in Maryland by 2035. Source
Books, press & public media
Dan Cox Republican
No public position found.
Wes Moore Democratic, incumbent
Signed the Freedom to Read Act (2024), which bars public and school libraries from removing books for partisan, ideological or religious reasons. Source
Ballot measures
Question 1: State employee contracts in the budget (Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act). Requires the governor's budget to include the money needed to pay for state employee union contracts, whether the terms were agreed to or decided by a neutral arbitrator. Yes means the governor must put enough money in the proposed budget to cover negotiated or arbitrated pay and benefits for state workers. No means the current law on funding state employee agreements stays the same.
Question 2: Temporary members of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities. Allows temporary substitutes on the commission that investigates judges' conduct when a member is recused, disqualified, or their term ends without a replacement. Yes means the commission chair can recall a former member, or the governor (at the chair's request) can appoint a temporary member or extend a term. No means current membership rules stay the same; no temporary appointments.
Question 3: Rules for drawing congressional districts. Says the Maryland Constitution's district rules (such as compactness and respecting county lines) apply only to state legislative districts, not congressional districts. Lets the General Assembly give the Supreme Court of Maryland original jurisdiction over challenges to congressional maps. Yes means the state constitution would set no criteria for congressional district lines, and legal challenges could go straight to the state Supreme Court. This could allow lawmakers to redraw congressional maps before 2028. No means current constitutional rules and court process for congressional maps stay as they are.
CASA. Immigrant community organization in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania that builds power in low-income immigrant communities, including voter engagement.
Life After Release. Group led by formerly incarcerated women in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area, working on reentry and post-conviction advocacy.
Anti-Racism Daily will never tell you who to vote for and does not endorse candidates. Information here has been pulled from the internet and may be inaccurate. Please fact-check your sources. If you spot a mistake, please let us know so we can fix it.
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