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MarylandSB 09492026 Regular SessionSenate

Election Law - Absentee Ballots - State and Federal Requirements

Sponsored By: Cheryl C. Kagan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsAbsentee and Mail-In BallotsElections, State Board ofElectronic GovernmentEmergency BillsFederal GovernmentHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Internet -see also- Internet AccessLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsNoticesPublic InformationRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySunsetTimeVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Maryland sets clear mail-in ballot deadlines

You may vote by mail in Maryland, unless federal law says otherwise. Your ballot counts if an early voting center gets it before polls close on the last day of early voting. It counts if a local board office or a polling place gets it before polls close on Election Day, or if you use a drop box before polls close on Election Day. If mailed, it counts if the local board receives it by 10:00 a.m. on the second Friday after the election and it was mailed on or before Election Day. A postmark proves this, or your signed affidavit if the postmark is missing or unclear. If federal law or a federal court sets different deadlines for federal races, Maryland still counts your votes in state and local contests if your ballot meets Maryland’s timing rules, unless another law requires rejection for a non‑timing reason. The State Board must set canvass rules that follow these requirements and must notify voters and urge early return, like mailing at least one week before Election Day or using drop boxes by Election Day. These rules take effect May 12, 2026.

Maryland now calls it mail-in voting

The State Board and all local boards must call absentee voting “mail‑in voting” in all public messages. Ballots delivered over the Internet are called “print‑at‑home ballots.” Public messages must also explain that Maryland law still uses the word “absentee” for mail‑in voting. This takes effect May 12, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 131 • No: 46

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 10 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 36 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 440

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (96-36)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/13/2026House

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  6. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/13/2026House

  7. Rereferred to Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/13/2026House

  8. Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

    4/13/2026House

  9. Third Reading Passed (35-10)

    4/13/2026Senate

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments {143222/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  12. Motion Laid Over (Senator Jennings) Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {143222/1

    4/10/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/10/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

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