Voting laws in Maine
From Ballotpedia
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Each state has its own series of election laws. The separation of powers clause in the constitution has largely placed the responsibility for conducting on state governments. Each state has its own election law enforcement agencies, oftentimes part of the executive branch, sometimes a part of the state judiciary. The following are basic guidelines for voting in Maine. Note: Before taking any action, or if you have any questions, contact your state election agency.
Polling Place Hours
Hours: Polls open between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on the town.
Contact your town clerk to find out when your polling place opens. All polls close at 8:00 pm.
Click here to download a Maine Frequently Asked Questions document created by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and its pro bono law firm partners.
Voter Registration Information
Registration Deadlines
You can register to vote at any time in Maine, including on Election Day. You can register in person at your [town office or city hall during business hours on any day. If you want to mail in your registration application, you must do so by 21 days before the election.
Identification Required for Registration
If you are registering for the first time, you'll need to write down your driver's license number or the last four digits of your social security number on your registration application.
If you are mailing your application, you will need to enclose a copy of your valid driver's license or one of the following: a current utility bill, a bank statement, a paycheck, or another government document that shows your name and address.
If you register in-person at your town office or city hall less than 20 days before Election Day, you must bring (1) your drivers license number or last 4 digits of your social security number; AND (2) one of the following that shows your name and address: a current utility bill, a bank statement, a paycheck, or another government document. If you do not bring both of these in before Election Day, your name will still be put into the list of registered voters and you can cast a challenged ballot.
How to Check Registration
Contact your [County Elections Official]
Voting Information
Identification Required to Vote
If you are registered to vote before Election Day, you do not need ID at the polls.
How to Find Your Polling Place
Use Maine's E-Democracy website to find your polling place online.
Absentee Voting
Anyone can vote by absentee ballot. You don't have to give a reason when you request your ballot.
Getting a ballot is easy.
- You can go to this website and submit a request online or print out a request form to mail or fax.
- You can call your town clerk and request a ballot over the phone.
- You can go to your town clerk's office and ask for a ballot in person.
Rules and Deadlines
- If you request an absentee ballot by mail, make sure you leave enough time for the clerk to receive your request and mail a ballot back to you.
- Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Early Voting
Maine allows for in-person absentee voting. You may vote absentee at your town clerk's office as soon as absentee ballots are available. Absentee ballots are available 30 to 45 days before Election Day.
Information For People who have Moved or Changed Addresses
Register with your town clerk by any of the normal registration methods.
You can register at your new address as soon as you move .
Maine will be launching an online address change service soon.
Information for People with Felony Convictions
You have the right to vote in the election even if you are still incarcerated.
See also
- Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002
- State by State Provisional Ballot Laws
- State by State Voter ID Laws
- Recount laws in Maine
- Felon vote fraud
- Maine election agencies
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