Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I vote in-person? 

During Early Voting or at any of the 6 Vote Centers on Election Day.

 

Where is the Early Voting Center?

Cecil County Administration Building. Voting from October 26 to November 2, 2020, 7 am to 8 pm.

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Where are the Election Day Vote Centers? 

At any high school in Cecil County or at the Cecil County Administration Building. Voting
on November 3, 2020 is from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voters can vote the correct ballot at any of the following locations:

• Bohemia Manor High School, 2755 Augustine Herman Hwy, Chesapeake City, MD 21915
• Cecil County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Elkton, MD 21921
• Elkton High School, 110 James Street, Elkton, MD 21921
• North East High School, 300 Irishtown Road, North East, MD 21901
• Perryville High School, 1696 Perryville Road, Perryville, MD 21903
• Rising Sun High School, 100 Tiger Drive, North East, MD 21901

 

How can I request a Vote by Mail (VBM) ballot?

Use the application that will be mailed to you soon, text VBM to 777-88, request
online at: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1, or contact our office at 410.996.5310.

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When does my VBM Application need to be received by the Board of Elections?

Tuesday, October 20, 2020.

 

What is the deadline to return my Vote by Mail ballot to the Board of Elections?

If you mail your ballot, the ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3, 2020, and received at the office by Friday, November 13, 2020. You may also deliver your ballot to one of the 6 Ballot Boxes located at all high schools in Cecil County and at the Administration Building. Ballot Boxes are available 24/7. Ballots must be delivered to the Ballot Box by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

 

What is the difference between an open and closed primary election?

An Open Primary is a primary election that does not require voters to be affiliated with a political party in order to vote for partisan candidates. In traditional open primaries, voters may select one party's ballot and vote for that party's nomination.

A Closed Primary is a primary election where voters choose candidates who are affiliated with the same political party to run in the general election. This system deters "cross-over" voting by members of other parties, which preserves a party's freedom of association and ensuring that only members of the party influence who is nominated for that party. 

 

Is Maryland a closed primary state?

Generally, Maryland has closed primary elections, therefore, voters must be affiliated with either the majority or minority political party to vote in the primary. However, if there are non-partisan offices that are included on a primary election ballot (i.e. school board), any voter can vote for these offices.   

State law allows political parties to choose whether to hold an open or closed primary. If a political party chooses to open their primary election, they must provide notice to the State board of Elections six months before the primary election is held.

 

Do I have to affiliate with a political party? Can I vote in the primary election?

No, you do not have to affiliate with a specific party. If you choose to not select a political party on your voter registration application, you will be "unaffiliated" with any political party. Due to Maryland having closed primaries, unaffiliated voters will generally not be able to vote in party primary elections, but they will be able to vote in any nonpartisan primary election that is held in their jurisdiction (i.e. selecting nominees for the board of education).

 

May I change political parties?

Yes, except during the 21 days prior to the Election.
For the 2020 General Election, the deadline to change your party affiliation is Tuesday October 13, 2020. (5 pm at the election office or 11:59 pm - online)

If a party affiliation change request is submitted past the deadline, the local board will be unable to process the request until registration reopens; this means that the party affiliation change will not go into effect until after the Primary Election. 

To change your party affiliation use Maryland's Online Voter Registration System (OLVR) or submit a Voter Registration Application or written request (signature required) to your local election office.