In Maryland, independents generally cannot vote in Maryland primaries run by the Democratic or Republican parties, because the state uses a closed primary system for major parties.1Maryland State Board of Elections. Primary Elections2Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Election Law § 3-2023Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Election Law § 8-202
What Unaffiliated Voters Can Still Vote On
Being unaffiliated does not shut you out of every primary race. You remain eligible to vote in nonpartisan primary contests, such as elections for a Board of Education, unless local law requires that particular board to be chosen on a partisan basis.4Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Election Law § 8-802 And every registered voter in Maryland, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in the general election in November.5Maryland State Board of Elections. Voting in Maryland
How to Switch Your Affiliation Before a Primary
If you want to vote in a Democratic or Republican primary, you will need to change your registration to that party. You can do this in several ways:6Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Election Law § 3-303
- Through Maryland’s online voter registration system
- By mailing or delivering a signed written request or a new registration application to your local board of elections
- In person at a local board of elections office
- Through the Motor Vehicle Administration
Whichever method you use, you’ll need to give your full legal name, date of birth, current residence address, citizenship status, and signature. If you have a Maryland driver’s license or MVA ID card, you must provide that number; otherwise, the last four digits of your Social Security number will do.7COMAR. COMAR 33.05.04.04
The deadline matters. Registration changes generally close 21 days before an election, by 5:00 p.m. for paper applications and 11:59 p.m. for online submissions.8Justia. Maryland Code Election Law § 3-302 For the 2026 Primary Election, the practical cutoff to change parties is June 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.9Montgomery County, Maryland. Voter Registration FAQs One limitation to know about: you cannot change your party affiliation at an early voting center during an election. That specific change has to wait until after the current election is over.10Maryland State Board of Elections. Early Voting
Check Your Current Registration
Before a primary, confirm how you are registered. The Maryland State Board of Elections offers an online Voter Lookup tool that asks for your first name, last name, date of birth, and zip code. If you prefer not to use it, your local Board of Elections can look up your record directly.