The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in Maine to make a plan to vote that works for you!
Maine Board of Elections Phone Number: (207) 624-7736
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Maine.
Voting by mail is a two step process in Maine.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received by mail or in person is November 3rd at 5 p.m.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
After you complete your ballot, sign the ballot envelope on the "voter signature line" on the outer flap of the envelope.
Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot. You can also return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense).
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.
Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you. This person must return your ballot within two days of receiving it from you.
If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return it, you may go to your polling place and vote in person. Bring your unused ballot and turn it in at your polling place.
Maine does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.
Your state has a cure period, which means you can “cure” a challenge to the signature on your ballot if it was done incorrectly. must cure the ballot as soon as you are notified. The deadline for corrections is 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Your local elections office is required to contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot. You may get a call from a number you do not recognize with a notification that you need to cure your ballot. Be sure to pick so you don’t miss your chance to make sure your vote is counted.
Maine voters do not need to show ID at the polls, except for first time voters who did not include ID information on their voter registration form such as driver’s license number or last four of their social security number.
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
By party rules, only registered voters affiliated with a particular party may vote in its state primary. Please see Maine’s Democratic Party and Republican Party websites for details.
In 2020, Maine transitioned from holding a caucus to a primary system presidential preference elections. In order to participate, existing Maine voters who have previously been registered with another party must make sure they are affiliated with their party of choice fifteen days before the election.
New voters and those previously unaffiliated may register to vote and declare their party up to the election day, including in person at the polling location.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at their address of record when they interact with certain state agencies. If you have moved, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
In Maine, you can vote in person at your local elections office with an absentee ballot. You'll request, fill out, and return your ballot during your visit.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In Maine, you can preregister to vote if you are 16. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can vote in the Maine primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
