By Jaden Perry, Staff Writer

Nov. 1, 2024

Photo Credits: Tyrone Turner / WAMU (American University Radio)

Early voting has ended and with less than a week until Election Day, many possible voters still aren’t registered to vote. The Spectrum has you covered. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help Bowie State University students make it to the polls by Nov. 5. 

Am I eligible to vote in the state of Maryland?

If you’re at least 18 years old, a U.S citizen, have not been convicted of buying or selling votes, are not currently in jail for a felony conviction and — if under guardianship for a mental disability — have the ability to communicate the desire to vote, then you are eligible to vote in this year’s general election. If you’re turning 18 years old on Nov. 5, you can vote in this year’s general election. 

However, if you meet these requirements, you still must be registered to vote. 

I’m not registered to vote, is it too late?

No, there’s still time to register — and vote — on Nov. 5, Election Day.

To do so, bring a government-issued document proving where you live. This document can be an ID card, mailed bank statement, utility bill, or any other government-issued document that lists your name and address. There, you can register to vote and cast your ballot immediately after. 

First, locate your designated polling location. Maryland residents can find that information here.

Can I still register and vote as an Out-Of-State Student?

Yes, you can still vote as an out-of-state student. 

If you live on Bowie State’s campus or in Bowie, Maryland and want to vote with your home state’s ballot, students must research mail-in-ballot information for that state — each state has its own policies and deadlines for mail-in-ballots. Bowie State students can contact the University’s Multicultural Programs and Services Coordinator, Dr. Keadrick Peters at kpeters@bowiestate.edu, for further assistance with mail-in-ballot requests and information. Be aware that time is running out in many states. 

If it’s too late to vote with your home state’s ballot, Bowie Students can opt to vote with the Prince George’s County, Maryland ballot instead.

To do so, students must provide proof of enrolment — like their BSU ID card — and a government-issued document showing their proof of residency in Maryland. Then, students can register to vote as normal at their designated polling location on Nov. 5, Election Day. Review the above — ‘I’m not registered to vote, is it too late?’ for more information on voter registration. If living on Bowie State’s campus, students must provide the exact address of their dorm, not the address of the school. 

I’m a Maryland resident but am currently out of the county, can I still request a mail-in ballot?

Yes, if your residential address is in Maryland but you are currently out of the county, you can still request a mail-in ballot but time is running short. Prospective voters have until Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. to submit a request for a mail-in ballot. Visit vote.md.gov/NeedBallot to submit a request. Once received, the deadline to return your mail-in ballot varies:

  • If returning your ballot by mail: Your deadline to have it postmarked is on or before Nov. 5. For your vote to count, your ballot must be received by your board of elections by  10 a.m. on Nov. 15. 
  • If returning your ballot to a ballot drop box in your county: You have until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.
  • If returning your ballot in person on Election Day: Go to any polling place or early voting center by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. 
  • If returning your ballot in person at your Board of Elections office: You have until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can find your local Board of Elections office at vote.md.gov/LBElist.

I’m registered to vote, how do I vote in person on Election Day?

To vote on Nov. 5, Election Day, you must first locate your designated polling location. Visit voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch to find and confirm your polling location. Bowie State students living on or around campus will likely vote on campus at Mckeldin Gym. Polling locations are open on Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  If you’re in line by 8 p.m. — you will be allowed to vote. 

If you’ve already registered, be prepared to provide your name, the address that you registered with and your date of birth — IDs are not required.