On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Maine voters will decide multiple major races. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is facing off with Democratic nominee Troy Jackson for the Senate seat she has held for nearly 30 years. The gubernatorial race pits Democrat Hannah Pingree, Republican Bobby Charles and independent Rick Bennett against each other. The 2nd Congressional District seat is an open contest between former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican, and State Auditor Matt Dunlap, a Democrat, after U.S. Rep. Jared Golden declined to tun again.

Key Voting Deadlines

After Monday, Oct. 5

Early voting by absentee ballot is available at all municipal offices.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Deadline for in-person absentee voting at municipal offices

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Election Day, most polls open by 8 a.m. and all close at 8 p.m., unless voters are still in line.

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FAQs

How do I register to vote?

Mainers 18 and older with a fixed and principal home in Maine are allowed to vote in the community they reside in.

New voters or those who have moved from one municipality to another can register to vote online for the first time this year. You can fill out a registration card at your city or town office or any Bureau of Motor Vehicles location.

You can also register on Election Day at your polling place. If you do that, you must provide proof of residence at your address, such as an ID or a utility bill.

I’m not sure if I’m registered to vote. How do I check?

You should be registered if you have ever voted in your municipality and have not since moved. To confirm your registration, call your municipal office. Third-party groups such as Vote.org and Rock the Vote offer reliable online registration lookup tools, but they are also trying to collect phone numbers for outreach efforts. Opt out unless you want more text messages.

How do I vote absentee in Maine?

Maine allows no-excuse absentee voting. You can request a ballot using the state’s online form or making a request at your municipal office. The state recommends allowing seven to 10 days to get your ballot if you request one less than a month before the election. 

The deadline to get your ballot back to the local clerk is 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can track the status of your ballot request — from when your local clerk receives the request to when they receive your ballot — using this online tool.

Can I vote early at my municipal office? 

Yes. In Maine, absentee voting is used like early voting systems in other states. You can fill out an absentee ballot in person at your municipal office right now. The cutoff to vote in person is Thursday, Oct. 29, unless special circumstances exist. 

Where is my polling place? 

Polling places are typically in municipal offices, schools or other civic buildings, but they can be in other places as well. The state has an online tool to look up your polling place or you can call your municipal office.

Have an election question?

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