State of Maine Voter Guide

Dear Maine Resident,

Thank you for taking time to learn more about the process of registering and voting in Maine. Your interest in voting is appreciated.

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.

Help make Maine #1 in the nation for voter turnout - cast a ballot in the November 4th General Election!

Sincerely,
Matthew Dunlap
Secretary of State

1.

Federally required questions. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or who will not be at least 18 years of age by the next election are not eligible to vote. Individuals who are 17 years of age may pre-register to vote.

2.

Party affiliation(Optional). Voters must complete this section if they want to be a member of a qualified political party in Maine and to participate in party primaries, caucuses, conventions or other party activities. Voters who do not complete this section, or check "other" (with or without writing a political designation on the line provided), or check the last option (that they do not want to enroll at this time) will be designated on the voting list as "U" for unenrolled.

3.

Name of voter. (Required) Voters must provide their legal name, as follows:

•

The last name (surname) must be listed (titles such as Sr., Jr., II, III, etc., may be included).

•

The first name and the middle name or initial; the first name or initial and the middle name; or the first and last name, must be listed.

4.

Date of birth. (Required) Voters must be at least 18 years of age in order to vote. However, 17-year-olds may pre-register to vote, and may vote if they will be 18 years old by the next election.

5.

A .

Street or location address. (Required) Voters must provide the street address or physical location where they have established their residence. This cannot be a P.O. Box address.

B.

Current mailing address. (If applicable) The mailing address is required only if it is different from the street/physical location address, and is where the voter receives mail. This can be a P.O. Box address.

C.

Previous registration address. (Required) Voters must provide the municipality, county and state in which they were previously registered to vote. If a voter has never been registered, the voter must write "none".

6.

Telephone number. (Optional) If a voter provides a phone number, it becomes public information. A voter whose phone number is unpublished is cautioned against listing it on the application.

7.

Change of name. (If applicable) This information is only required of voters who have changed their legal name since registering to vote in Maine.

8.

Voter's Signature. (Required) Voters must sign their legal name below the statement certifying that all information is true.

9.

Voter ID or Unique ID Number (For new Maine Voters only). The purpose of the voter ID number is to uniquely designate each new voter in the computerized statewide voter registration list. If you are already registered to vote in Maine, this number is not required.

A.

Driver's License Number. New voters who have a valid Maine Driver's License or Maine State ID must list that number.

B.

Social Security Number. New voters who don't have a valid Maine Driver's License or Maine State ID must list the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

C.

NONE. New voters who don't have either of these forms of ID must write "NONE" in this space.

10A.

For Registrar's Use Only. This space should only be completed by the municipal registrar of voters.

10B.

Instructions to Voters. The instructions for identification requirements for mail-in registrations remind new voters who mail their registration applications to the municipal registrar that they must also provide a copy of certain identity documents with the registration form. New mail-in registrants must submit a copy of a Maine driver's license or other valid photo ID, or a current utility bill, or bank statement, or paycheck, or other government document that shows the voter's name and address.

NOTE: If required information is omitted, the municipal registrar of voters must notify the applicant that the form is incomplete, and must later reject the application if the information is not provided. If optional information is omitted, the registrar must still process the application and may not reject it for that reason.