Montgomery County election officials are reminding residents that the deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation ahead of Maryland’s 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election is approaching.
According to the Montgomery County Board of Elections, eligible residents must submit voter registration applications or update party affiliation information by Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Maryland conducts closed party primaries, meaning registered Democrats and Republicans may only vote in their respective party’s primary contests. Unaffiliated voters are still eligible to vote in Board of Education races.
Residents are encouraged to verify that their voter registration information, including name, address, and political party affiliation, is accurate before the deadline.
To register to vote in Maryland, individuals must be U.S. citizens, Maryland residents, and at least 16 years old. Seventeen-year-olds may vote in the primary election if they will be 18 by the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.
Online voter registration requires information matching Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration records, including a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or identification card number, along with the last four digits of a Social Security number.
The Board of Elections noted that residents can register or update voter information by texting VOTE or UPDATE to 77788, visiting 777vote.org, or contacting the Montgomery County Board of Elections directly.
Residents who miss the June 2 advance registration deadline may still register and vote during Maryland’s same-day registration period at early voting locations from June 11 through June 18, or on Election Day on Tuesday, June 23. Voters registering in person must provide proof of residency, such as an MVA-issued ID, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document dated within three months of Election Day.
Mailed voter registration applications can also be sent to the Montgomery County Board of Elections office at 18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, in Gaithersburg.
Additional election and voter registration information is available through the Montgomery County Board of Elections and the Maryland State Board of Elections.
