Upcoming Elections: What Southern Maryland Voters Need To Know

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Southern Maryland voters are gearing up for a new election cycle that will shape local and state leadership for years to come. The next major elections on the calendar are the 2026 gubernatorial and midterm elections, and even though they’re over a year away, now is the time to get informed. Here’s a rundown of what voters in St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties should know:

At the county level, voters will choose commissioners (or in the case of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel, county council members and a county executive). Key local positions like sheriff, state’s attorney, and board of education members will also be decided.

And in Congress, Southern Maryland’s representation could see changes: the region is primarily covered by the 5th Congressional District, a seat held for decades by Rep. Steny Hoyer. At age 86, Hoyer has not announced his 2026 plans; if he retires, expect a spirited race to succeed him in this district spanning Charles, St. Mary’s, and parts of Calvert and Prince George’s. Even if he runs again, the district could draw high-profile challengers, given shifting demographics.

Meanwhile, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties include portions of other congressional districts (such as the 4th and 3rd), which will also be up for election. In short, Southern Maryland voters will help decide everything from who sits in the governor’s mansion in Annapolis to who represents them on the local school board.

If you’re not yet registered or need to update your registration (for example, if you moved or changed your name), the deadline to register before the primary will likely fall in late May 2026. However, Maryland now allows same-day registration — you can register to vote at an early voting center or at the polls on Election Day, and then cast your ballot. This has made voting more accessible, but it’s still wise to register or update ahead of time if possible to avoid any issues.

Maryland offers multiple ways to vote. In addition to in-person voting on Election Day or during early voting, any voter can request a mail-in ballot (no excuse needed). You can also opt into a permanent mail-in ballot list to have ballots sent to you automatically each election.

Ballot request forms will be available through the State Board of Elections and county election boards, with deadlines usually about one to two weeks before Election Day. Once you receive your mail-in ballot, you can return it by mail (postage is prepaid) or drop it in one of the secure ballot drop boxes stationed around your county. Drop box locations will be publicized in advance and are often placed at libraries, community centers, or government buildings.

If you vote by mail, remember to sign the oath on the envelope — that’s a key step. If mailing your ballot, it must be postmarked by Election Day and received within a few days after. If using a drop box, it must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

For those voting in person, be aware that polling places can change, especially after redistricting or if schools (common polling sites) undergo construction. Prince George’s and Anne Arundel, in particular, have moved some polling locations in recent elections. It’s smart to verify your polling site via the State Board of Elections website or your voter notification card.

Early voting centers are typically fewer in number — each Southern Maryland county will likely have a handful (for example, Charles had four centers in 2024). You can vote at any early voting center in your county during early voting, but on Election Day you must go to your assigned precinct polling place.

In Charles County, which has rapidly grown and diversified, expect vigorous contests for county commissioner seats, with debates on managing growth, improving schools, and public safety. Charles shifted to a Democratic majority on the county board in recent cycles, but Republicans are eyeing a comeback in certain districts.

In St. Mary’s and Calvert, local races often favor Republicans (both counties’ commissions are currently GOP-led), but there may be competitive nonpartisan school board elections focusing on issues like curriculum content and school safety.

Anne Arundel, a swing county, will have a marquee county executive race — incumbent Steuart Pittman (D) is term-limited, so that open seat will be hotly contested and could flip party control.

For the General Assembly, Southern Maryland’s delegation could see new faces. For instance, long-time state Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton of Charles was unseated in 2018 by Arthur Ellis, part of a wave of change. By 2026, some veteran legislators may retire, opening opportunities for fresh candidates.

Voters should pay attention to their legislative district lines (updated in 2022) to know which district they’re in and who’s running.

On the state stage, the governor’s race will dominate headlines.

How Southern Maryland votes could be pivotal. The region includes deep-blue precincts (in northern Prince George’s) and reliably red areas (parts of St. Mary’s and Calvert), with purple pockets in between. In recent statewide races, Southern Maryland counties have sometimes provided the decisive margins.

Voters should also keep an eye out for ballot questions. Maryland often puts constitutional amendments or referenda on the general election ballot. For example, in 2024 voters approved an amendment to legalize recreational marijuana (note: Maryland’s cannabis legalization was decided by referendum in 2022).

In 2026, potential ballot questions could include topics like sports betting revenue allocation, state abortion rights (lawmakers have discussed a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access), or bonds for public projects. These questions will be listed on the ballot with a short description. It’s wise to read up on them beforehand — nonpartisan voter guides from groups like the League of Women Voters can be helpful in explaining what a “yes” or “no” vote means.

Many organizations — from local chambers of commerce to teacher associations — host Q&A events with candidates. These are great opportunities for voters to hear directly from those running. If you’re passionate about a particular issue (such as preserving rural land from development or improving commuter transportation), don’t hesitate to ask candidates where they stand.

Voters in Southern Maryland have a reputation for being community-focused and civically engaged, and candidates will be courting that engagement.

Also, remember that Maryland allows party affiliation changes up to the registration deadline before a primary. If you wish to vote in a party’s primary (Maryland holds closed primaries), you must be registered as a member of that party. Unaffiliated voters can still vote on nonpartisan races like school board in the primary, but not in partisan contests.

The deadline to change party registration is the same as the voter registration cutoff (late May 2026 for the primary). After that, your party affiliation is locked in for primary day. In the general election, all registered voters can vote for any candidate regardless of party.

Finally, a note for new residents or young voters: If you’ll be 18 or older by Nov. 3, 2026, you are eligible to register and vote — and you can vote in the June primary even at 17, as long as you turn 18 by the general election.

Maryland encourages youth participation and has programs for high schoolers to serve as election judges. For those who have recently moved to Southern Maryland, be sure to register in your new county (and update your driver’s license address, which can be done online).

The democratic process can sometimes seem daunting, but it boils down to local neighbors making their voices heard. As Maryland’s State Board of Elections slogan says, “Your voice, your vote.” Southern Maryland’s voters will have the chance to shape education, public safety, economic policy, and more with their 2026 votes. Mark your calendars, study up on the candidates and issues, and get ready to head to the polls — the future leadership of Southern Maryland is in voters’ hands.

Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com