Maryland Voters Decide Governor, Congressional Races
Maryland polls are open Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after 604,396 people voted during the eight-day early voting period.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
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Maryland voters cast ballots in the 2026 general election on November 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The race for governor pits Democratic incumbent Wes Moore against Republican Dan Cox, alongside attorney general and comptroller contests and three statewide ballot referendum questions.
Why it matters
All eight of Maryland's Congressional districts are on the ballot, including the 5th District seat opened by Rep. Steny Hoyer's January retirement announcement. The outcome will shape statewide leadership and the state's congressional delegation for the coming term.
Unofficial state figures show 604,396 votes were cast during the eight-day early voting period, with 124,000 on the last day. Final tallies remain pending until state certification on Dec. 3.
The players
Wes Moore
Democratic incumbent governor of Maryland seeking reelection in the 2026 general election.
Dan Cox
Republican nominee challenging Wes Moore for Maryland governor, having previously run for the office in 2022.
Jared DeMarinis
Maryland State Elections Administrator who reported the early voting totals.
The details
Polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, and mail-in ballots must be returned by that time, either by mail or through an election drop box. Baltimore County voters are deciding nine races for an expanded County Council, while Carroll County is the only county without a county executive race.
Timeline
Eight-day early voting period preceded Election Day, with 604,396 votes cast.
Nov. 3, 2026: Election Day; polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov. 13: First day the state may certify election results.
Dec. 3: State certifies the election.
Seasonal Patterns
The 2026 rematch between Wes Moore and Dan Cox mirrors the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial contest, which Moore won. Voters are again deciding the governor's race alongside statewide and congressional races on the same ballot.
Maryland residents who have not yet voted should note that mail-in ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, either by mail or through an election drop box. Voters in Baltimore County will help determine nine County Council seats in the expanded council.
The takeaway
Voters who return mail-in ballots or drop them in designated boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day help ensure their votes are counted in Maryland's November races.
What happens next
Results will be certified by the state on Dec. 3, following the first possible certification date of Nov. 13 and two post-election audits.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Elections for context on how Maryland's races fit into broader election trends.
Live Poll
Do you trust Maryland's local elections to be run fairly?
