Maryland primary: Do you need a political party affiliation to vote?

Maryland voters are headed to the polls to cast their ballots in the state's presidential nominating contests as early voting in the Free State's primary begins Thursday.

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Here's everything you need to know.

More: Maryland voter guide: What to know about voting, registering, mail-in, early voting

Do you need a party affiliation to vote in Maryland?

Yes, the Democratic and Republican primary contests in Maryland require voters to be registered to the respective party's ballot.

But, if there are non-partisan seats on a ballot, any voter, regardless of party affiliation, can vote.

When is Maryland's primary election?

Maryland's primary election isn't until May 14, but voters have a few options of how and when to cast their ballots.

More: When is Maryland's primary election?

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Maryland primary: Do you need to register with a party to vote?