- Oct. 15: Advance deadline to register to vote/change party affiliation
- Oct. 24: Early voting begins
- Oct. 31: Early voting ends
- Nov. 5: Election Day
- Nov. 15: Final day ballots submitted via mail can be received and still be counted, if postmarked by Election Day
There is an open seat in the United States Senate for Maryland as U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat of three Senate terms, is not seeking reelection. Cardin’s decision in May 2023 not to seek a fourth term changed the political landscape of the state, including in one Western Maryland U.S. congressional district, where three-term U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, made a run (and lost a bid) for the seat in the May 14 primary.
Now, several seats in the state’s 10-member U.S. congressional delegation are in the hands of the state’s voters, and in some parts of Maryland, voters have a say about important local offices this year, too. Find out more about the selections on your ballot below.
Maryland U.S. Senate seat
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat, and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, are seeking the seat currently held by Cardin. Alsobrooks, 53, has led the state’s second most populous county as executive for about the last six years. Prior to that, she served as the county’s state’s attorney from 2011 to 2018. Hogan, 68, was Maryland’s governor from 2015 to 2023, and the state’s first two-term Republican since 1959.
Learn more about Maryland US Senate racePreviewing Maryland's US Senate election between Alsobrooks and Hogan
Maryland’s 6th Congressional District
Maryland’s 6th Congressional District encompasses Western Maryland. In addition to Northern Montgomery County, the district also includes Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties. Maryland U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, who has held the seat for about the last six years, ran (and lost a bid) for U.S. Senate, creating an open seat.
April McClain Delaney, 60, a former Biden administration official and the wife of Trone’s predecessor, U.S. Rep. John Delaney, D-6th, is the Democratic candidate. Former state Del. Neil Parrott, 54, who represented Washington County in the General Assembly until 2023, is the Republican candidate.
Learn more about 6th District race:Previewing Maryland's 6th Congressional District race between Delaney, Parrott
Legislatively referred abortion amendment
In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to refer an amendment to the state’s constitution to the state’s voters on a controversial topic: abortion.
The state’s voters approved a related measure in 1992 with a majority vote to make the procedure legal. This year’s question proposes an amendment to the state constitution, which adds an article to the document on the topic of the ending of a pregnancy. If the measure is passed, any future changes would require a future General Assembly to put the issue again before voters. If the measure fails, the procedure would still be allowed under current state law.
More about proposed amendment:Maryland residents to vote on abortion amendment: What to know
Mayor, City of Hagerstown
The office of mayor in the city of Hagerstown is a nonpartisan position. The mayor serves as the city’s chief executive officer and presides over meetings of the city council.The mayor does not vote on city actions or ordinances but is responsible for implementing city policies. The mayor serves a four-year term with annual compensation of$28,000. This year, the mayor’s office is an open seat as current Mayor Tekesha Martinez opted to run for Congress, finishing fourth in this year’s Democratic primary. Steve Schutte has dropped out of the race after the primary, leaving Bill McIntire as the sole contender in this year's mayor's race in the General Election.
Hagerstown City Council
The Hagerstown City Council includes five members elected to four-year terms. These are nonpartisan positions, all elected at-large during presidential election years. The council is responsible for adopting policies, ordinances and resolutions for the city, including annual operating and capital budgets. Annual compensation for council members is$8,000.This year, four incumbents and six challengers are running in the General Election. Councilwoman Shelley McIntire opted not to run for re-election. There are 10 candidates for the five council seats.
Hagerstown City Council election:Previewing the Hagerstown City Council election
Washington County Board of Education
Four of the seven seats on the Washington County Board of Education are up for election this year. All four incumbents are running and they, as well as four challengers, are progressing to the Nov. 5 general election. The school board race is a nonpartisan election. Board members serve four-year terms, with about half of the board seats up for election every two years.
Board of Education race:Previewing the Washington County Board of Education election
