Elections & Voter Information

FAQs

Who can vote in Town Elections?
To be a qualified voter in Somerset, a resident must be:

  • At least 18 years of age (Charter Amendment to lower the age to 16 in process)
  • A resident within the corporate limits of the Town of Somerset for 14 days preceding the election
  • A citizen of the United States of America or an alien legally authorized to reside in the United States
  • Registered in accordance with the provisions of the Town Charter. Every qualified voter of the Town shall be entitled to vote at any or all Town elections
How do I register to vote?
If you are a registered voter in Montgomery County, you are automatically registered to vote in town elections.

If you are not a registered voter in Montgomery County you can contact the town staff by phone, email or in person and request that a Town of Somerset voter registration form be mailed to you.

You must be registered to vote 14 days preceding the election.
What if I want to run for election?
To run for election, you must be a United States citizen. Candidates for the regular elections shall be nominated at a town meeting to be held on a date at least 4 weeks prior to the date set for the municipal election.

Additional candidates may be nominated after such meetings by written petition signed by at least 20 voters and filed with the Clerk-Treasurer no fewer than 21 days before the election.
What are the requirements to be an elected official?
  • You must be a United States citizen
  • Resident of Somerset for at least 18 months preceding the election date.
  • Qualified voter in the town and the State of Maryland.
What if I want to vote but I will not be able to come to Town Hall and Vote?
Qualified voters who are incapacitated or who will be absent may receive ballots from the Town Manager at any time within 14 days prior to an election. The ballots of such persons shall be validated on the reverse side by the signature of the Town Manager and shall be counted if returned to him/her.

You can download the Absentee Application from the web site directly or request the form in person at Town Hall, Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 14 days prior to election day.