Garrett County voters can start casting ballots today, Thursday, October 22, as early voting opens for the 2026 Gubernatorial General Election.
There are two early vote centers in the county: the Oakland Community Center at 14 N. 8th Street in Oakland, and the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department Hall at 178 Springs Road in Grantsville.
“Early voting begins today and ends on Thursday, October 29th. Both vote centers are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Including Saturday and Sunday. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd with the same voting hours,” said Steve Fratz, Garrett County Election Director.
The Maryland State Board of Elections says anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote, and no appointment is needed.
Fratz said mail-in voting is on a familiar pace so far, but voters shouldn’t assume the polls will be quiet.
“The quantity of current received mail-in ballots are about normal for a Gubernatorial Election. Historically, we are expecting around 60% voter turnout but that does not mean the polling locations will not be busy. The best times to vote in person is between10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. During early voting, Saturday and Sunday seems to be the least busy,” he said.
Before heading to the polls, Fratz urges voters to look over the sample ballot that came in the mail. Also, a sample can be found here.
“Voters should review the sample ballot that was sent in the mail. There is plenty of important information in it including a copy of the 2-page ballot. It is encouraged for all voters to cast both pages of the ballot either in person or by mail.”
Residents who haven’t registered yet still have a chance to vote.
“The voter registration deadline has passed but eligible voters can register and vote at both early vote centers and at election day polling locations. The voter will need to have their Maryland driver’s license depicting their current address,” Fratz said.
Voters who plan to vote by mail still have time to request a ballot. Requests sent by mail or fax must be received by October 27, and online requests are due by October 30. Completed ballots must be postmarked by November 3, or dropped off at an official drop box or the Board of Elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
After Election Day, the first canvass of mail-in ballots is November 5 at 10 a.m. at the Board of Elections conference room, 2008 Maryland Highway, Suite 1, in Mountain Lake Park. The provisional canvass is November 12 and the final mail-in canvass is November 13. The county’s Risk Limiting Audit is set for 9 a.m. on November 24 at the same location.
The official sample ballot is also posted on the Board of Elections page at garrettcountymd.gov/elections. The board is still looking for election judges throughout the county. Applications are on that page and can be returned by mail, fax or email. Questions can go to the Garrett County Board of Elections at 301-334-6985.
