Absentee Voting Guide
Dear Maine Resident,
Voting is one of the fundamental rights that we hold as citizens of this state and country. Everyone should make an effort to cast a ballot at each election.
Maine law makes it easy to cast an absentee ballot. You don't have to be out-of-town or have any other reason to take advantage of this easy way to vote at a time that is most convenient to you.
If you would like to vote by absentee ballot, I hope you will take a few moments to review the information below. Please contact your local clerk or my office if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Matthew Dunlap
Secretary of State
What is absentee voting and how does it work?
Absentee voting allows you to cast a ballot without going to a polling place on Election Day.
Who may vote absentee?
Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the polling place on Election Day.
You don't need to have a specific reason or be unable to vote at the polls on election day to receive an absentee ballot.
What are the steps to voting by absentee ballot?
1. Complete an absentee ballot application to get a ballot; then
2. Fill out and deliver the ballot back to the municipal clerk.
When can I request a ballot?
Absentee ballots may be requested beginning 3 months before Election Day. Make your request early to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you.
How do I apply for and receive an absentee ballot?
Contact the municipal clerk in the town or city where you are registered to vote.
You can make a telephone request for your own ballot, which will be mailed to the address you provide to the clerk.
You can also make a written request by completing an absentee ballot application. Applications are available from the municipal clerk or online at: www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/absentapp.doc
Additionally, you can obtain a ballot for an immediate family member in this same way. A ballot will be mailed to the voter directly or to an immediate family member making the request.
Your municipal clerk can tell you who is considered immediate family under the law.
NOTE: Ballots obtained by the voter or an immediate family member do not require witnesses, unless the voter receives assistance from another person in reading or marking the ballot.
How do I locate and contact my municipal clerk?
Call your town office or city hall. You can also contact:
Office of the Secretary of State
Division of Elections
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
(207)624-7650
cec.elections@maine.gov
www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/
Can I vote by absentee ballot in person somewhere?
Yes. You may vote absentee at the clerk's office as soon as absentee ballots are available. Absentee ballots are available 30 to 45 days before the election at the municipal clerk's office. You don't need to complete an application if you vote in person at the clerk's office.
When must my voted ballot be returned to my municipal clerk?
To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Are there any other ways to receive an absentee ballot?
You may make a written request for a “third person” (someone other than the voter or the voter's immediate family member) to obtain and hand-deliver an absentee ballot.
You must designate, in a written request or application, the specific third person who will handle and deliver the ballot. Only this designated third person may handle the absentee ballot.
Ballots cast in this way must be witnessed by either a notary public, a municipal clerk, a clerk of courts, or 2 other witnesses.
What if I still have questions?
For more information please contact:
Elections Division
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207)624-7650
cec.elections@maine.gov
www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/
