McDaniel Votes

McDaniel Votes is McDaniel College’s initiative to increase civic engagement, election understanding, student and employee voter awareness, and student and employee voter turnout in local, state, and federal elections. Through outreach and programming, McDaniel Votes seeks to educate, increase voter registration, and develop a stronger sense of civic participation among our community.

First time and seasoned voters all need a plan before casting their ballot. Register to Vote, then make a plan and get prepared to go to the polls!

Know your Voting Rights Vote Early! State-Specific Early Voting Rules

McDaniel Votes Events Calendar

View the Student Events Calendar for additional events.

McDaniel Votes Registration Drive Sept. 17 & 30, 1 - 3 p.m.

Mid-level, Roj Student Center

Various McDaniel student organizations promote the importance of voting and assist students with registering to vote.

McDaniel Votes Week Oct. 7 - 11

National Voter Education Week

The Office of Student Engagement and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion host a weeklong series of events, including panels, workshops, and civic engagement activities.

Wellness Center Election Sessions and Programs Oct. 29 & Nov. 5 - 8

McDaniel's Wellness Center offers various drop-in sessions and programs for students leading up to the election, on Election Day, and post-election. Visit mcdaniel_wellness on Instagram for details on specific events.

McDaniel Votes Election Day Nov. 5, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m.

Mid-level, Roj Student Center

Make sure to exercise your right to vote! Students, faculty, and staff who show their “I Voted” sticker get a complimentary cookie, while supplies last. Plus, a free shuttle from campus will be available to help McDaniel students get to the polls (note: shuttle will transport to the college’s designated polling place at Westminster Elementary School).

Then, come together to watch news coverage of the Election Day results as polls close around the country after 8 p.m.

What is Absentee Voting?

Absentee voting (aka “mail-in voting” and “by-mail voting”) is conducted by mail-in ballot before the day of Election Day. All states will mail a ballot to voters if certain conditions are met. The voter may return the ballot in person or by mail. Some states will let voters apply for an absentee ballot in person before Election Day and then vote the ballot that same day.

Excuse: Voters in these states will need to provide a valid excuse for not voting on Election Day in order to vote by absentee ballot.
No excuse: Any voter in these states can vote by absentee ballot, even if they are able to vote in person on Election Day.
Mail-in Only: Voters in these states only need to request an absentee ballot if they need their ballot mailed to a different address.

College students also have the option to register to vote using their school address.

Get Your Absentee Ballot Learn about the absentee voting ballot rules in your state Register to vote in Maryland

Oct 15

Deadline to register to vote and update voter registration information in Maryland

Oct 24

Early Voting available in Maryland

Oct. 24 - Oct. 31, 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. each day

View a list of early voting centers in Maryland (PDF), including the Westminster Senior & Community Center.

Nov 5

Election Day

7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Registered to vote in Maryland? Look up your assigned polling place to vote in person on Election Day.

Election Resources

Resources for Parents

Interested in learning more about how you can talk to children in your life about voting? Check out these resources: