UMBC Poll Reveals Marylanders' Political Knowledge and Baseball Fandom

Survey shows most Marylanders pay attention to state politics, but struggle with specific government trivia.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:09pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a stately state capitol building in Maryland, with the structure bathed in warm, golden sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the state's political landscape.The UMBC poll reveals a disconnect between Marylanders' political engagement and their specific knowledge of state government.Baltimore Today

A recent UMBC Institute of Politics poll surveyed 804 Maryland adults, including 731 registered voters, about their level of attention and knowledge on state politics as well as their favorite baseball team. The poll found that 64% of Marylanders say they pay 'a great deal' or 'some' attention to news about Maryland state politics, but only 19% were able to correctly answer 4 or 5 out of 5 multiple-choice questions about the state government. The poll also revealed that 40% of Marylanders consider themselves fans of the Baltimore Orioles, while 16% support the Washington Nationals.

Why it matters

This poll provides valuable insights into the political engagement and baseball loyalties of Marylanders, which can help inform how state and local leaders communicate with constituents and how media outlets cover issues that matter to Maryland residents.

The details

The UMBC poll asked respondents about their news consumption habits, with 67% of those who pay 'a little' attention to Maryland politics citing local television news as a top source. The poll also found that 56% of this group get news from social media, 47% from newspapers, and 48% from friends, family or neighbors. When it came to specific knowledge about the state government, only 29% knew the length of the Maryland General Assembly's legislative session is 90 days, and just 21% correctly identified the approximate share of seats held by Democrats in the state legislature as 71-80%.

  • The UMBC poll was conducted from March 17 to March 22, 2026.

The players

UMBC Institute of Politics

A research institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County that conducts public opinion surveys and analysis on state and local political issues.

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The takeaway

This poll highlights the need for more civic education and engagement efforts in Maryland, as many residents appear to lack detailed knowledge about their state government despite paying attention to political news. It also underscores the continued popularity of the Baltimore Orioles among Maryland baseball fans.