The 2026 midterm elections, which occur halfway through a president’s four-year term, are scheduled for Nov. 3.
As of October, the Republican Party is in control of Congress with the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives. All 435 voting seats in the House and 33 regularly scheduled Senate seats, plus two special Senate elections, are up for election this year. However, neither Maryland senator is up for reelection.
Maryland voters can choose a governor, a House representative depending on their district and certain ballot questions depending on which county they are registered in. Midterm turnout is usually lower than in presidential years, so each vote counts for more. The results could affect issues important to college students, including student loans and housing costs at public universities like the University of Maryland.
Maryland allows same-day registration on Election Day. Early voting runs from now until Oct. 29 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voters can cast their ballots at any center in their county.
The closest site to campus is the College Park Community Center, located near Lake Artemesia. On Election Day, your polling place depends on your address, which can be found on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
Out-of-State Students
If you are an out-of-state student at UMD, you can choose where to register and cast your vote. You can only vote in one state, so do not register for both. Maryland law allows you to change your registration to vote instate if you are enrolled in a university in Maryland.
If you plan to remain registered in your home state, you can request a mail-in ballot through your state’s election office. The deadline for mail-in ballot requests can vary by state, so it is a good idea to check your state’s board of elections website.
In-State students
Maryland assigns you a polling place when you register to vote, and on Election Day you may not vote at another place. If you will not be able to visit your polling place, you can vote early at any early voting center in your county or request a mail-in ballot to be sent to you by the deadline on Oct. 27. If you request your mail-in ballot at home, the deadline is Oct. 30. The ballot is emailed to you to print at home.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, so voters should request and return their ballots as soon as possible. Voters who prefer to use a drop box instead can submit their ballots at the College Park Community Center. Mail-in ballots must be placed in drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day.