Election 2026
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Maine voters will decide Tuesday whether U.S. Sen. Susan Collins wins a sixth term in a race that could decide control of the Senate along with a host of other elections, including ones for a toss-up congressional seat and the Blaine House.
This is everything you need to know to be ready to vote on Election Day.
When are polls open?
Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday everywhere in Maine. Opening times vary. Some towns open as early as 6 a.m., while the smallest towns can wait until 10 a.m.
You can look up your town’s opening time on the secretary of state’s website. If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
Where is my polling place?
Polling places are usually in municipal offices, schools or other public buildings, but they can be elsewhere. You can call your municipal office or use the state’s online tool to find your polling place.
Can I register to vote at the polls?
Yes. Maine is among the roughly half of states that allow same-day registration. Bring proof of identity and residency to your polling place, such as a driver’s license, a utility bill or a bank statement. You do not need identification to vote, only to register.
Is it too late to return my absentee ballot?
No, but you need to hurry. Ballots are counted only if they reach your city or town clerk by 8 p.m. Tuesday. You can hand-deliver yours to your polling place or use your community’s drop box, if it has one.
If you already mailed your ballot, check the state’s tracking tool to make sure your clerk has it. If not, you can vote in person and your absentee ballot will be voided.
What’s on the ballot?
The top race pits Collins, a Republican, against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president from Allagash. In the 2nd Congressional District, Republican former Gov. Paul LePage faces Democrat Matt Dunlap for the seat opened by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s departure.
The race to replace Gov. Janet Mills features Democrat Hannah Pingree, Republican Bobby Charles and independent Rick Bennett.
All 186 seats in the Legislature are also up, along with county and local races. To read up before you vote, we rounded up five free guides to help you fill out your Maine ballot.