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1. What are the requirements to become a registered voter?

   • Be a U.S. Citizen
   • Be a Maryland resident
   • Be at least 18 years old or older by the next Election
   • Not be under guardianship for mental disability
   • Not have been convicted of buying or selling votes
   • Not have been convicted of a felony, or if I have, I have completed serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation for the conviction.

2. How can I register to vote?

   There are several ways to register to vote:

   • The Voter Registration Application can be obtained from the Board of Elections Office by calling 410-386-2080 and is available to download in Adobe PDF Format.
     
     
   • Visit one of the following locations:

     Carroll County Public Libraries, Motor Vehicle Administration, United States Post Offices, Department of Social Services, Health Department or any Municipal Office in Carroll County.
     
     

   Please be sure to indicate a party affiliation, sign the application and mail to Carroll County Board of Elections, 225 N. Center Street, Westminster MD 21157.
   
   
3. Can I register on Election Day?

   No, the registration books close 21 days before the Primary and General Elections.
   
   

4. When am I officially registered to vote?

You are considered a registered voter when you receive your voter notification card from the Board of Elections.



5. If I changed my name or my address since the last election, what procedure should I follow?

You must notify the Board of Elections in writing of your name or address change and sign the request for these changes. The voter registration application can be obtained from the Board of Elections Office by calling 410-386-2080 and is available to download in Adobe PDF format. Changes in registration information are automatically sent to your county Board of Elections if you complete a Change of Address form at the Motor Vehicle Administration. If you do not receive your voter notification card within three weeks, contact our office.

6. If I am a Maryland citizen and residing in another country, can I register and vote?

Yes. A Maryland citizen residing out of the country may register and vote. In order to vote, you need to request an Absentee Ballot using the Federal Post Card Application.



7. Can I change political parties?

Yes. You can change your political party at anytime except within the 12 weeks prior to a Primary Election. The request must be received in writing and include an original signature. The Voter Registration Application can be obtained from the Board of Elections Office by calling 410-386-2080 and is available to download in Adobe PDF format. Mail the completed form to the Carroll County Board of Elections Office. The address is listed at the bottom of the form.



8. Do I have to affiliate with a political party?

If you do not choose a political party, you will be recorded as a "Unaffiliated". In a Primary Election, a "Unaffiliated" is able to vote for any nonpartisan office. In Carroll County, the Board of Education is a nonpartisan office



9. What is a Party Primary?

A party primary is designed for the purpose of permitting the members of a party to select their candidates under official supervision and control.



10. What district do I live in and who are my Elected officials?

Use this search form designed and hosted by the Maryland State Archives to find out. You can also contact the Board of Elections office by calling 410-386-2080 to receive this information.



11. What can you tell me about a candidate?

The Boards of Elections do not keep or relay information about candidates other than what is required from them when filing for office. For biographical or background information on candidates, please refer to the press or your political or citizen organization of choice.



12. How do I request an Absentee Ballot?

You must first apply for an application to vote by absentee ballot. Applications can be obtained from the Board of Elections Office by calling 410-386-2080 and is available to download.

The Board of Elections must receive the completed application by:

1. 4:30 p.m. on the Tuesday before the Election if the application is mailed.
2. 11:59 p.m. on the Tuesday before the Election if the application is faxed. After the deadline, a late application for absentee ballot must be completed in person at the Board of Elections office.





13. Can I vote by Absentee Ballot if an emergency occurs?

Yes, if you are registered to vote, you or your duly authorized agent may apply in person for an Absentee Ballot at the Board of Elections Office.

14. If I did not vote in the Primary Election, can I vote in the General Election?

Yes, voting in one election is not a requirement for voting in another election.



15. Do I need my voter's card to vote?

No, you are not required to have it on Election Day.



16. Where will I vote on election day?

After registering to vote, you will receive a Voter Notification Card in the mail indicating your precinct number and polling place location. Please keep this notification as a reminder. A list of polling places is available on our website.



17. What time are the polls open on Election Day?

Throughout Maryland, polls are open continuously from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Anyone standing in line at 8:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.



18. Where can I see a sample of my ballot

Every registered voter will receive a specimen ballot in the mail approximately five to ten days before the General Election. Or click on the following link to view a copy of your specimen ballot. http://mdelections.umbc.edu/voter_registration/v2/vote_prod.php.