Requesting a Mail-In Ballot for Someone in Cecil County Detention: Complete Guide

Only registered voters can request a Maryland mail-in ballot. If the person in Cecil County Detention is registered, they can request one online - but the online form requires a specific ID. Confirm they have what's needed before starting.

To request a Maryland mail-in ballot online, go to vote.md.gov/NeedBallot. The form requires a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID card. For someone who's detained, this ID requirement is usually the deciding factor. If they don't have that ID available, skip the online route and contact the local board of elections instead - otherwise you'll get stuck partway through.

Once the request is submitted, Maryland typically mails ballots 30–45 days before the election. That window matters when someone's detained - you need time for the ballot to arrive, get filled out, and make it back. Submit the request early, then start watching for updates as that 30–45 day mark approaches.

Delivery and Return Options

• ✓ Receive the ballot by mail (the primary method), sent to any address the voter chooses
• ✓ Use the prepaid return envelope that comes with a mailed ballot
• ✓ Receive an email link to print the ballot
• ✓ Receive the ballot by fax
• ✓ Pick up the ballot in person from the local election office

For most detained voters, having the ballot mailed to a chosen address is the simplest route. If printing from an emailed link or receiving a fax works better, those are also options. In-person pickup is possible too, but it gets more complicated if someone other than the voter needs to pick it up - that's where the Designation of Agent form comes in.

If someone other than the voter will pick up the ballot in person, Maryland requires a Designation of Agent form. You can find it at vote.md.gov/MDagent. This form authorizes a specific person to collect the ballot - especially helpful when the voter is in Cecil County Detention and can't go to the election office themselves.

1. Get the Designation of Agent form - Use the state’s Designation of Agent form (vote.md.gov/MDagent) when the ballot will be picked up by someone else.
2. Complete the form with the voter’s authorization - The voter must provide the Designation of Agent so the election office can release the ballot to the right person.
3. Coordinate the pickup with the local election office - Call or email the Cecil County Board of Elections to confirm pickup timing and any office instructions before you go.

No need to guess whether the request went through. Maryland lets you track both the request and ballot status at vote.md.gov/search. Use it to confirm the ballot is on the way, plan mail delivery timing, or coordinate an in-person pickup.

For ballot pickup, delivery questions, or anything that needs special coordination, contact the Cecil County Board of Elections directly. Their mailing address is 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste. 1900, Elkton, MD 21921-6395. Phone: 410-996-5310. Fax: 888-979-8183. Email: voting@ccgov.org.