Voter Toolkit

What happens if I move?

You do not need to re-register if you move to another place within Maryland, but you will need to contact your local Board of Elections to update your address. You can update your address through the Maryland Online Voter Registration System or by contacting your local board of elections. Note that when you complete a change of address form at the Motor Vehicle Administration, this information will be sent to your local Board of Elections.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Election Law § 3-304 

You can choose not to change your voter registration information. For example, if you are military personnel being deployed overseas or are a student attending college out of state who chooses to remain a Maryland resident, you may choose not to change your voter registration information.

If you move from Maryland to another state, you will need to register to vote in that state.

You must use a provisional ballot if you moved and did not update your information with your local Board of Elections. Your new address determines which candidates you can vote for. You have two options:

1. You may fill out a provisional ballot at your old precinct. If you choose to vote at your old precinct, only your votes for candidates whose name also appears on the ballot at your new voting location will be counted.

2. You may fill out a provision ballot at your new precinct. If you choose to vote at your new precinct, your ballot will have the names of all the candidates for whom you are eligible to vote. Therefore, all your votes will count. 

You may not vote at your old precinct without informing the election judge of your change of address and asking for a provisional ballot. Voting in an election district where you do not currently reside is illegal.

What happens if I change my name?

You will need to update your information with the local boards of election if you legally change your name. You must use a provisional ballot if you changed your name and did not update your information with your local Board of Elections.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Election Law § 3-304 

Read the Law: Md. Constitution, Article I § 5.

What happens if I am homeless?

Even if you do not have a fixed residence, you have the right to vote as long as you meet the other voting requirements.

However, you must provide a mailing address to register to vote. You may provide the address of the place where you regularly receive mail. The following are some examples of possible addresses you may be able to use (you may first ask if they would be willing to accept mail for you):

• Shelters

• Outreach centers

• Churches, Temples, or Mosques

• A relative or friend’s address

It makes sense to give them a way to contact you when you receive mail. For instance, you can set up an email account that you can access from a public library or any other computer you can use.

Do I need to bring my ID to vote?

Election judges prefer that you take a picture ID to the polling place. You must have identification if:

• It is your first time voting in Maryland, or

• You sent your voter registration in by mail.

Acceptable picture IDs are:

• Maryland driver's license or MVA ID card,

• Student, employee, or military ID card,

• U.S. passport, or

• Any other state or federal government issued ID card.

If you do not have a picture ID, you may also use a current copy of the following (current means the document is dated within 3 months of the election):

• Utility bill,

• Bank statement,

• Government check,

• Paycheck, or

• Other government document that shows your name and address.

You can read the General Requirements of the Help America Vote Act on the State Board of Elections website.

If you are already registered, and you are denied the right to vote because you do not have a picture ID, you may cast a provisional ballot. When the board of elections confirms that you are a registered voter, your provisional ballot will be counted.

Polling officials must allow you to vote on a provisional ballot if:

• You do not have a picture ID;

• You are not on the registered voter list; or

• The election judge says you are not eligible to vote.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Election Law § 9-404

For more information please visit: https://www.peoples-law.org/voting-rights