State of Maine Voter Guide

The information below explains how to register and vote in state elections. By voting, you are keeping Maine's democracy strong and continuing a long history of citizen participation in the governing of our state and nation.

It's easy to take our right to vote for granted--to decide that voting isn't worth the effort or “doesn't make a difference.”

The reality is that voting makes a tremendous difference. By casting a ballot, each citizen has a voice in deciding who will serve in office and what positions will be taken on major issues.

Voting is of critical importance to the strength and vitality of our system of government, and I congratulate you for recognizing its significance.

For our democracy to work, we must all participate in the process. Please register and vote and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

Maine Voter Guide

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can register and vote in Maine?

To register, you must be a United States citizen, at least 16 years of age to pre-register to vote and have established a fixed principal home in Maine.

To vote in a Referendum or General Election, you must be registered in the community where you reside, and be at least 18 years of age. A 17 year old may vote in a Primary Election, if that person will be 18 by the General Election.

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote online, by filling out a voter registration card at your town office or city hall, through any Motor Vehicle branch office, in most state & federal social service agencies, or at voter registration drives.
You can also download and print a Maine voter registration application here. Please note that both sides of the card will print on one page.

Maine Voter Registration Application –    Fillable PDF      Word
Instructions for completing the Voter Registration Card

If you cannot print the voter registration application, contact your town clerk to have a voter registration card mailed to you. A printed version of the voter registration card, with your original signature, must be kept on file by your town clerk, so the card cannot be transmitted electronically.

Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall. Check this listing for telephone and mail contacts for each town and city.

When you register for the first time in Maine, you’ll need to provide identity documents that show you have established your voting residence in the State of Maine.

The following documents are acceptable proof of identification for the purposes of registering to vote:

  • Government document or credential with photo ID (i.e. driver’s license, State ID, valid U.S. Passport, military ID, ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe)
  • Government ID document/credential without photo (i.e. certified birth certificate or signed Social Security card)
  • An official document that shows name and address of voter (i.e. eligibility for public benefits, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck)
  • Student photo ID from a state-approved public or private school or institute of higher education in Maine
  • Verified unique identifier (Maine driver’s license number or last four numbers of Social Security Number)

For more information, visit our Maine Voting Residence Fact Sheet page.

Is there a deadline for registering?

There is no cut-off date for registering to vote in person at your town office or city hall. For the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, voters can submit registration forms online, by mail or by third person by the end of the day on February 13, 2024.

When is the next election?

Please visit the Upcoming Elections Page for more information regarding the next election.

Where do I go to vote?

Every town and city has its own places where people vote, called voting places or "the polls". You can call your town office or city hall to find out where you vote. Voting places open between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., depending on the population of the town. Local officials can give you the exact opening time for your community. All voting places close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. You can find your polling place using the Voter Information Lookup Service

How do I mark a ballot?

The State of Maine uses paper ballots that voters mark by filling in an oval next to their choices. There are also instructions printed on each ballot.. If you have a question, ask an election official. If you make a mistake, fold your ballot and give it to an election official. The election official will give you another ballot. Some elections in Maine are conducting using ranked-choice voting. Learn more about ranked-choice ballots on our RCV Resources page.

Can I have help voting?

Yes. If you need help reading or marking the ballot, you may ask a relative or friend for assistance. The helper does not have to be a voter or old enough to vote. An election official can also help you read or mark a ballot. However, your employer or union official cannot help you vote.

Do I need to go to the polls on Election Day to vote?

No. Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the voting place.

You do not need to have a specific reason or be unable to vote at the voting place on Election Day to use an absentee ballot. Learn more about absentee voting and how to request your ballot on our Absentee Voting page.

 

For additional information, 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