Did You Know? Maryland Voters Have a Write-In Option?
When we think about Election Day, most of us think about choosing among the names printed on our ballots.
But what happens when the candidate you want to support isn't printed on the ballot?
Maryland voters may have another option: a write-in candidate.
What Is a Write-In Candidate?
In Maryland's General Election, voters may cast a vote for a write-in candidate whose name does not appear as a printed choice on the ballot.
However, there's an important distinction: simply writing someone's name on your ballot doesn't necessarily mean that person has formally filed as a write-in candidate.
Maryland has specific requirements for individuals who want to become filed write-in candidates.
How Do You Vote for a Write-In Candidate?
For a paper ballot, Maryland instructs voters to:
Fill in the oval beside the Write-in line for the appropriate contest.
Write the candidate's first and last name on the write-in line.
Maryland election officials provide additional guidance concerning spelling variations and how write-in votes are counted.
Maryland's 2026 Write-In Deadline
For Maryland's November 3, 2026 General Election, the deadline to file a Certificate of Candidacy as a write-in candidate is:
October 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
So, a candidate not appearing as a printed choice on your ballot doesn't necessarily mean you've heard the last from that candidate.
That's why it's important to research all of your options before voting.
Who Is Running in Your County?
You don't have to rely solely on campaign advertisements, social media posts or signs along the road to find out who's running.
The Maryland State Board of Elections publishes official candidate information for Maryland's statewide and local elections.
Use the Maryland State Board of Elections candidate search to review the candidates running in your county and the offices appearing on the 2026 General Election ballot.
The Signature Pros does not endorse any candidate or political party through this voter-education information. Our goal is simply to encourage Maryland residents to learn about the election process, research their choices and make informed decisions.
🗳️ Election Day Special at The Signature Pros
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Election Day is a great day to exercise your right to vote and maybe take care of an important document you've been putting off.
Show us your “I Voted” sticker on November 3 and receive ONE FREE NOTARIZATION (real estate documents not included) at The Signature Pros.
Have you been meaning to take care of a:
Power of Attorney
Advance Directive
Last Will & Testament
Affidavit
Authorization or consent form
Other document requiring notarization
Election Day might be the perfect reminder to get it done.
The offer is for one notarization and is subject to normal notarization requirements. Please remember that a notary cannot determine whether a particular document is appropriate for you or provide legal advice.
And don't worry, we won't ask who you voted for.
Democrat, Republican, unaffiliated, write-in or otherwise, that's your business.
Just show us your “I Voted” sticker. 🗳️
Your vote is your business. Your notarization is ours.
Learn more about our notary services: mobile, event, and remote online notarizations.
