By Rep. Ellie Sato
Free, fair and accessible elections are the foundation of our democracy. This year in Maine, we will be voting for governor, every seat in the Maine Legislature, both U.S. House seats and a U.S. Senate seat, as well as many important local positions. With this in mind, I want to provide some helpful resources for the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
Unfortunately, the federal government has recently been attempting to change the way that Maine voters – and American voters more broadly – can vote. However, the Maine Secretary of State's Office is continuing to reassure Mainers that our election system remains secure, reliable and well-prepared. We do not anticipate any changes to the administration of the upcoming election in Maine.
I encourage you to make a plan to vote. For those who want to vote before Election Day, absentee ballots can be requested now through Oct. 29 at absenteeballotrequest.sos.maine.gov/ or by calling the Town of Gorham at (207) 222-1670.
Voters should request and return their ballots as soon as possible. To avoid any delays in the U.S. Postal Service, you can also place your absentee ballot in the secure drop box available outside of the Gorham Municipal Center at 75 South Street. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Gorham Town Clerk’s Office in the Gorham Municipal Center by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Through Oct. 29, you can also vote early in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. They are open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You do not need to complete an absentee ballot application.
Finally, you can vote in person on Nov. 3 until 8 p.m., when polls close. If you’re not yet registered to vote, you can register anytime leading up to the election, including in person on Election Day. You can check your polling location here: www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php or call the Town of Gorham at (207) 222-1600.
I have also heard from many constituents who are concerned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement may attempt to intimidate voters and interfere this year at the polls. Maine election officials are also aware of Maine voters’ concerns and are continuing to set up safeguards to protect your right to vote in order to ensure another smooth election season this fall.
If you have questions about your right to vote, visit the Secretary of State’s website, https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting/your-right-to-vote-in-maine, or contact their Elections Division at 1-888-868-3763. If you have any concerns in person on Election Day, you can contact the warden at your polling location or the Gorham Town Clerk.
This year, the Maine American Civil Liberties Union is supporting the League of Women Voters of Maine’s nonpartisan polling observers program. On Election Day, observers will be reporting on voting conditions in every Maine county, helping ensure all eligible voters can cast a ballot.
As we each make our plan to vote, I encourage community members to support one another by helping their neighbors access their right to vote or by volunteering with one of these organizations. Our democracy is strongest when we all stand together.
Please always feel welcome to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns, or need assistance. You can contact me by email at Ellie.Sato@legislature.maine.gov or by calling my office at 207-287-1430.
Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.