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How to vote in Maine

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Registration Summary

Maine offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Maine by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Voting Summary

Maine allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Maine offers in-person absentee voting.

What are key deadlines for the November 2024 election?

Registration deadlines

Absentee ballot deadlines

Voting deadlines

What key changes should voters know about?

Beginning February 2024, Maine offers online voter registration.

This is due to a new law in Maine. Visit the Maine Secretary of State website or contact your local election office to learn more.

Registration Top Actions

Can I register to vote online?

  • Maine offers online voter registration.
  • To register online in Maine, you need to provide at least ONE of the following: Maine driver’s license number, Maine state ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don’t have a Maine driver’s license, Maine state ID card, or Social Security number, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Maine’s website.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Maine, you are required to provide your Maine driver’s license or State ID number. If you do not have a Maine driver’s license or State ID, you are required to include the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, write "NONE" in the space for ID number.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: In Maine, you should register with the party whose primary election you would like to vote in. If you do not register with a party, you can still vote in a primary election by choosing one political party's ballot.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes current and valid photo identification OR current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.

You can also register to vote using the Maine voter registration form.

Watch this video about by mail registration from the Maine Secretary of State.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Contact the Maine Secretary of State to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Watch this video about in person registration from the Maine Secretary of State.

How can I check my voter registration status?

Maine does not offer an online registration lookup tool. To confirm your voter registration status and details, contact your local election office.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Maine you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a resident of Maine and the municipality in which you want to vote
  • be at least 16 years old (you must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a primary election if you are 17 and will be 18 by the General Election)

Watch this video about who can register to vote from the Maine Secretary of State.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Maine allows voter registration on Election Day. Contact your local election office for more information and when and where to register on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Maine before you turn 18 if you:
  • are 16 years old
  • are a citizen of the United States
  • are a resident of Maine and the municipality where you seek to register

For the purposes of elections, residence is defined as the place where you have established a fixed and principal home that you return to whenever temporarily absent.
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a primary election if you are 17 and will be 18 by the General Election.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Maine Secretary of State website.
To register using the Maine online voter registration system, you are required to provide at least ONE of the following:
  • Maine driver’s license number
  • Maine state ID card number
  • last four digits of your Social Security number

If you don’t have a Maine Driver’s License, Maine ID card, or Social Security number, you can still submit a voter registration application in person or by mail.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Maine, you are required to provide your Maine driver’s license or State ID number. If you do not have a Maine driver’s license or State ID, you are required to include the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, write "NONE" in the space for ID number.

If it is your first time registering to vote in Maine, you are also required to provide a copy of one of the following:
  • Maine driver’s license
  • Maine State ID card
  • current utility bill, bank statement, or government document that shows your name and address

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Maine Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Maine:
  • town office or city hall
  • Motor Vehicle branch office
  • most state and federal social service agencies. Contact the agency before you go to confirm they offer in-person registration.

If you are registering to vote for the first time in Maine, you are required to provide proof of identity that demonstrates residence in Maine.

Acceptable forms include:
  • government document or credential with photo ID
  • government ID document/credential without photo
  • official document that shows your name and address
  • student photo ID from a state-approved public or private school or institute of higher education in Maine
  • Maine driver’s license or State ID card number
  • last four digits of Social Security number

View the State of Maine Voter Guide for examples.

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Maine's site.

Can I vote in-person absentee?

  • Yes, Maine does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
  • Learn more about in-person absentee voting in Maine.
  • In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Maine’s site to find where to vote by in-person absentee.

What do I need to bring?

If you've voted in Maine before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.

If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID when you registered, you may need to show one of these documents to vote.

Acceptable forms include:
  • Maine driver's license
  • Maine state ID card
  • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address when you registered

Voters without ID: If you don't have ID or proof of residence, you can cast a challenged ballot. You may be asked to provide ID after the election for your ballot to count.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Maine’s site.
Watch this video about voting in person from the Maine Secretary of State.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Maine does offer early voting, which in Maine is called in-person absentee voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

When can I vote early?

  • In Maine, dates and times vary by where you live. Contact your local election office for more information about when to vote absentee in person.

Where can I vote early?

  • In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Maine's site to find information about where to vote.
  • You can also contact your local election office for more information about where to vote absentee in person.

What do I need to bring?

If you've voted in Maine before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.

If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID when you registered, you may need to show one of these documents to vote.

Acceptable forms include:
  • Maine driver's license
  • Maine state ID card
  • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address when you registered

Voters without ID: If you don't have ID or proof of residence, you can cast a challenged ballot. You may be asked to provide ID after the election for your ballot to count.

How do I vote by mail?

In Maine, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.

What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

How do I return my ballot?

What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

Watch this video about voting by mail from the Maine Secretary of State.

How do I see what's on my ballot?

View your sample ballot on the Maine Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Maine. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Maine, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Maine. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.

How do I contact my state election office?