At a Glance: Maine

Maine Voting Rules

Voter Registration Form:
Voter registration forms cannot be found online. Forms can be requested from the local Town Election Office. A list of Town Election Offices can be found here.

Deadline to Register:
The deadline to mail in registration is 21 days prior to the election (Oct 14, 2008). There is no deadline to register in person. Voters can register at the polls on Election Day.

Voter Eligibility:
In order to register to vote in Maine, individuals must: be US citizens; have established and maintained a residence in the municipality where they intend to vote; be at least 18 years of age on Election Day.

Identification Requirements:
If the individual is registering to vote for the first time in Maine, they must submit a photocopy of their Maine driver’s license, or a photocopy of a utility bill, or a government issued document that shows their name and address. Individuals must list their Maine driver’s license number on the voter registration form. If they do not have a Maine driver’s license, they must list the last four digits of their social security number. If the individual does not have either a driver’s license or a social security number, they must write “NONE” in the space provided.

Where to Turn in Your Registration:
Completed voter registration forms may be hand delivered or mailed to the voter’s Town Election Office. A list of Town Election Offices can be found here. Or forms can be sent to the Secretary of State’s Office in Augusta at: Office of the Secretary of State; Division of Elections; 101 State House Station; Augusta, ME 04333-0101

How to Register Others:
There are no state-specific restrictions involved in registering voters.

Absentee Voting:
Any registered voter can vote absentee. No excuses are necessary.

Application Process:
Applications for absentee ballots are currently available for the primary election only. Check with the local Municipal Clerk for applications for absentee ballots for the general election after the June 10th primary. Completed applications should be mailed to the voter’s local Municipal Clerk. A list of local Municipal Clerks can be found here.

Dates:
Absentee ballots can be requested up to three months prior to the election. Absentee ballots must be turned in by 8pm on Election Day.

Early Vote:
Any registered voter can early vote. No excuses are necessary.

Dates:
Early voting starts 30 to 45 days prior to Election Day. Contact local Municipal Clerks for exact dates.

For More Information:
Office of the Secretary of State
Division of Elections
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Phone: 207-624-7736
E-Mail: cec.elections@maine.gov
Website: http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec

Info about veterans, voting in other states, etc.

Please see this website for more information on U.S. Military Voter Services and voting overseas.

Click here to return to our Voter Registration Action Center home page.

Read our voter registration event guide here.

Visit Maine's state home page.