City of Baltimore - Election Questions and Answers

When may I register to vote?

You can register to vote year round. Except, 21 days before and 10 days after an Election. Applications will be accepted but not processed during the above mentioned times.

Where can I obtain a Voter Registration Application?

Voter Registration Applications can be obtained at:

  • The Baltimore City Board of Elections Office
  • Local Post Offices
  • Libraries
  • The Motor Vehicle Administration
  • City Government Agencies
  • All Public Assistance Offices
  • Any Office Providing State-Funded Programs

If I am not able to go to the polls on election day, how can I vote?

Due to illness, school, work, vacation, etc. you may be unable to appear in person at the polls, you can apply for an absentee ballot. Follow this link or more information on absentee voting.

How do I change my address, name, party affiliation, or update my record?

As a registered voter you are obligated to keep your voter registration records current. All changes must be in writing. You may change your party affiliation at any time except 12 weeks or 84 days prior to a primary election. All other changes can be made at anytime when the books for registration are open. The registration books are closed on the twenty fourth day preceding an Election and reopen on the eleventh day following that election. (§ 3-302 of the Registration and Election Laws of Maryland.)

Registration is permanent as long as you keep your registration records current in the jurisdiction in which you reside. A Voter Registration Card will be mailed to you after the Board of Elections has received and processed your application or any changes of your name, address, or party affiliation.

This card will reflect your precinct, ward, Congressional, Legislative, and Council Districts, and polling location. To receive a duplicate card you may apply in person or by mail. A duplicate card is $1.00. If requested by mail you must include postage or a self- addressed stamped envelope or the current postage rate.

What do I do to become a voter registration volunteer?

If you wish to have a voter registration drive in your community, church, social club, etc. you and your group must be certified. You can do this at the Baltimore City Board of Elections Office Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. For a group of 10 or more you can call to make a special appointment for an evening training at the Board of Elections Office or at your church, community hall etc. (When the Registration Books are closed there is no voter registration training).

Voter Registration Outreach / Voting Machine Demonstration

If interested in having the Board of Elections attend an event to conduct voter registration and/or voting machine demonstration please send an email to a.goldman@baltimorecity.gov. In this email should be the name of the organization, date of event, time of event, contact name and phone number of individual that will be the primary contact.

How do I become an Election Judge?

To become an election judge you must be a registered voter in the State of Maryland. Democratic and Republicans are accepted first. If the total number of Democrat and Republican Judges can't be fulfilled we will then consider Declines (Independents) and other registered parties to make the quota needed. You must be able to work at least a 14 hour day of work, read, write, speak, and understand the English language. You must also be willing and able to follow instructions concerning the election laws and the overall duties of manning a polling precinct.

The Election Judges who staff the polling places are a very important part of the electoral process. The Election Judges are responsible for administering the actual voting procedures in each precinct. Without these individuals it would be impossible to conduct an election.

Enlist by E-Mail

*Be sure to include your name, address, daytime phone number and other contact information

[ Download PDF Application ]

Qualifications for Election Judges

  • Must be a registered voter in Maryland
  • Must be able to speak, read and write the English language
  • May not be a candidate, campaign manager or a treasurer for a candidate or political committee.

There are four types of Election Judges:

1. Chief Judges. In each precinct, a Democratic and Republican Chief Judge is appointed. These individuals are the supervisory officials responsible for ensuring an orderly election. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Checking the polling place before election day
  • Supervising the opening and closing of the polls
  • Maintaining the peace
  • Demonstrating the voting system
  • Seeing that all procedures are followed
  • Return of supplies needed to conduct the election

2. Book Judges. These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
  • Verifying the registration of each voter requesting a ballot
  • Issuing Voter Authority Cards, Ballots and markers

3. Voting Unit Judges. These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
  • Verifying the ballot and the Voter Authority card number
  • Monitoring activity around the voting unit and booths

4. Provisional Ballot Judge. These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
  • Issuing Provisional Ballots

5. Compensation:

  • Chief Judge: $200.00
  • Book Judge: $150.00
  • Voting Unit Judge: $150.00
  • Provisional Ballot Judge: $150.00

Each Judge works as part of a team including one Democratic Judge and one Republican Judge. If you would like additional information concerning Election Judges, please call the Election Judge Recruiters at 410-396-5580.

Fri. May 9, 2008

Contacts


Board Members

  • Lawrence C. Cager Jr.
    President (D)
  • Kevin A. Slayton Sr.
    Secretary (D)
  • Eleanor Wang
    Member (R)
  • Barbara Logan
    Alternate Member (D)
  • Frankie L. Powell
    Alternate Member (R)
  • Armstead B.C. Jones, Sr
    Election Director
  • Cornelius L. Jones
    Deputy Director

Information