Montgomery County residents can still register to vote between now and October 16, 2018 (National Registration Day is September 25 )! Here are some key facts to know before registering to vote in Montgomery County for the first time.
DID YOU KNOW:
1. You can request an absentee ballot the same time as you register to vote.
Register to vote now through Tuesday, October 16 by 9:00 PM online here. You can also use this online portal to request an absentee ballot by Tuesday, October 30 if you want to receive your ballot by mail or by Friday, November 2 if you want to download your ballot from the State’s website. Also, check to make sure your registration is up to date here.
2. Voters can switch parties when they register to vote.
Under the law, voters can always switch parties after the primary election and before the General Election. The General Election is open, which means if you change your political party, you can vote for a candidate on the ballot that won in the primary, regardless of his/her political party. Voters who wish to change their party affiliation must fill out a new voter registration form. Voters can also make any changes by writing to the elections office at: Montgomery County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 4333, Rockville, MD 20849-4333
3. Voter registration is available in other languages.
Montgomery County makes it easy for residents to register if they speak a language other than English. Spanish language registration forms are available here. However, the Montgomery County Board of Elections provides voter registration services in other languages. To find out more information about County voter registration in other languages, please contact contact Dr. Gilberto Zelaya, 240-777-8532 or email: gilberto.zelaya@montgomerycountymd.gov
4. Voters do not have to show up in person to cast their ballot on election day.
Registered voters can submit an absentee ballot by mail before election day. This makes it easier if you are out of town, can’t leave the office, or have a commitment that prevents you from casting your vote. You are not required to show up to the voting polls on Tuesday, November 6. Read the Montgomery County Board of Elections FAQ’s on absentee voting here.
5. Public finance laws in Montgomery County may influence voter turnout in 2018.
In September 2014, the Montgomery County Council passed a bill that established a Public Election Fund to provide public campaign financing for County Executive and County Council candidates. One of the goals for publicly financing candidates was to encourage voter participation in County elections. Currently election laws prohibit publicly financed candidates from receiving money from political action groups, businesses, and special interest organizations – which is more reason to register to vote this year.
And don’t forget….
Early Voting for the General Election runs Thursday, October 25 through Thursday, November 1 from 10 am until 8 pm. Find an early voting center near you. Voters can view sample ballots here.
General Election Day is November 6 from 7 am until 8 pm. To find your polling place, use Maryland’s voter look-up website or enter your address into this Polling Place Locator.
Voting Access: All early voting centers and most polling places are accessible to voters with disabilities. Click here for more information. Election officials are trained to answer questions about the voting process and assist voters with physical disabilities.
Need more information? Here are a few resource links:
Montgomery County, MD Board of Elections