Benson, Maryland Public Records

Acceptable identification includes a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Paper applications can be submitted by mail or in person at the Board of Elections office. The state also offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day at designated locations. As an unincorporated community, Benson has no municipal elections for mayor or town council. Instead, residents participate in Harford County elections for County Executive and County Council representatives, Maryland General Assembly races for State Senate and House of Delegates, statewide constitutional offices, and federal contests including U.S. President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. The area falls within specific council and legislative districts determined by current redistricting maps. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the lookup tool at elections.maryland.gov or by contacting the Harford County elections office. Early voting centers operate during the week before Election Day, with locations announced prior to each election. In the November 2024 general election, Harford County saw approximately 62% voter turnout, with over 108,000 ballots cast from roughly 175,000 registered voters countywide. That election included the presidential race, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and state legislative contests. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters will decide several key races. Maryland holds gubernatorial elections in midterm years, so the 2026 ballot will feature Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller. The U.S. Senate seat currently held by Chris Van Hollen will also be contested. All 47 Maryland State Senate seats and all 141 House of Delegates seats will be on the ballot, including representatives for local legislative districts. County races will include County Executive, County Council members, Sheriff, and other offices depending on term schedules. Primary elections typically take place in July before the November general election. Maryland provides absentee voting by mail for all registered voters without requiring an excuse. Voters can request mail-in ballots online through the state elections website beginning 90 days before an election. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 10 days afterward, or voters may use drop boxes at early voting centers and the Board of Elections office through 8:00 PM on Election Day. Public election records available to residents include voter registration lists, which can be purchased for political purposes, campaign finance reports searchable at campaignfinancemd.us, candidate filing information, and precinct-level results published after each election. The county elections board posts unofficial results on election night and certifies final tallies within two weeks, with detailed precinct breakdowns available for public inspection showing how local voters cast their ballots in each race.