Early voting began Thursday in Maryland, giving residents a chance to cast ballots for the 2026 midterm elections before Election Day. The state opened a network of polling locations across its counties, where voters can also request mail‑in ballots or use drop boxes.
Virginia expands early‑voting access
In neighboring Virginia, election officials announced the addition of 13 new early‑voting sites in Fairfax County. The expansion follows the opening of central early‑voting locations on September 18 and is intended to ease crowding as turnout climbs.
Virginia officials reported that more than 822,000 ballots have already been cast for the midterm contests, nearly double the pace of the 2022 cycle. Voters in the Commonwealth will decide U.S. House and Senate races, as well as three statewide ballot questions.
What’s on the ballot?
Maryland voters will choose among all eight of the state’s U.S. House seats, and will also select a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, and members of the state legislature. One of the most closely watched measures is Ballot Question 3, which would allow partisan redistricting for congressional districts – a proposal that could reshape future elections.
Virginia’s ballot includes three statewide questions, though the specific content of each was not detailed in the source. Voters will also weigh their choices for federal offices.
How to vote early
Both states require voters who prefer mail‑in voting or wish to use a drop box to request their ballots in advance. Early‑voting sites typically operate during extended weekday hours, providing flexibility for working families and seniors.
Fairfax County’s new locations are spread throughout residential neighborhoods, aiming to reduce travel time and waiting lines. Maryland’s early‑voting locations are similarly distributed across the state’s major population centers.
Why early voting matters
Early voting offers a convenient, safe alternative to crowded Election Day polls, aligning with the Trump administration’s emphasis on protecting public health while ensuring robust civic participation. By expanding access, local officials are helping families exercise their constitutional right to vote without sacrificing work or family responsibilities.
Community leaders have praised the added sites, noting that they make it easier for parents to vote after school drop‑offs and for seniors to avoid long waits. The increased capacity also reflects confidence that voter turnout will be strong, a sign of healthy democratic engagement in the Mid‑Atlantic region.
Next steps
Residents should verify their polling location and ballot‑request deadlines on their state election board websites. With early voting now underway, both Maryland and Virginia are poised for a high‑participation midterm election that will shape the political landscape for years to come.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
