In a remarkable turnout for early voting during this gubernatorial election year, Maryland is on track to surpass 1 million early and mail-in ballots by Election Day, as indicated by the latest data from the Maryland State Board of Elections.
During the eight days of early voting that commenced on October 22 and concluded on Thursday, a total of 604,396 voters participated in person. Notably, the final day of early voting saw a record of 124,189 ballots cast. Furthermore, by Thursday, local election officials had received 357,650 mail-in ballots, with almost 300,000 additional ballots dispatched but not yet returned.
In comparison, approximately 1.5 million residents voted during Maryland’s previous gubernatorial election in 2022, where a majority of voters cast their ballots on Election Day.
State Elections Administrator Jared DeMarnis took to social media on Friday to announce that over 124,000 voters participated on the last day of early voting, marking it as “a record-breaking final day of early voting” for a gubernatorial election year. DeMarnis also noted that more than 7,300 individuals registered to vote on the same day during the early voting period.2026 Voter Guide
This voter turnout has been driven by various factors, reflective of a larger national trend that saw more than 46 million voters casting ballots by Friday. This enthusiasm comes even though Maryland lacks a high-profile race like others across the country where both parties vie for congressional control.
“We are witnessing unprecedented numbers, indicating a significant turnout not seen in recent elections,” stated Nikki Tyree, the executive director of Maryland’s League of Women Voters, during her remarks on Friday.
Tyree further highlighted the surge in national voter engagement, suggesting that voters are increasingly attentive to pressing political issues. “It seems clear that voters are deeply engaged and aware of the current circumstances,” she added.
According to preliminary early voting statistics, Talbot County recorded the highest voter turnout rate, with approximately 24% of its nearly 29,000 eligible voters participating at early voting centers this past week. This Eastern Shore area was the only jurisdiction to exceed a 20% participation rate.
Other counties followed closely behind in voter engagement, with 19.3% of registered voters in Queen Anne County and just under 19.2% of eligible voters in Calvert County taking part in early voting.
Tyree attributed much of this heightened voter activity to reactions to federal policies under the Trump administration, including rigorous immigration measures and ongoing litigation threats.
“Many voters express frustration with the tactics used to instill fear, stating they are tired of being intimidated into silence,” she commented. “This could be a significant factor driving voter participation.”
As voters prepare to elect a new governor and fill all eight seats in the state’s congressional delegation, the most significant issue on the ballots this season is Question 3. This proposed constitutional amendment aims to simplify the process for drawing congressional district boundaries.
Tyree described Question 3 as potentially confusing for voters. After engaging discussions with League representatives, she noted many individuals have not realized that this question pertains to congressional redistricting, which could specifically impact the 1st District represented by Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), the only Republican in the state’s congressional lineup.
“Many voters are grappling with the implications; they may oppose what’s happening nationally, yet they are also aware that we only have this one seat,” said Tyree. “This raises concerns over potential disenfranchisement.”
She concluded, “I can inform voters about what their decision would mean, but ultimately, how they vote is up to them. There are not many ballot measures presented to Marylanders that require them to respond proactively to national trends.”
While early voting wrapped up Thursday, polling places across the state will welcome voters on Tuesday, Election Day, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
