The MOVE Act was signed into law October 2009 and has been in effect since the General Election on November 2, 2010. This law is designed to ensure that military voters serving on active duty away from their place of residence and citizens residing outside the United States are able to receive their absentee ballot and return it in time to be counted on Election Day.
The MOVE Act requires that states provide the following:
The voter registration and absentee voter services on this page are for UOCAVA voters, who are:
The Secretary of State is working with municipalities to enhance the physical accessibility of voting places as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The links below will provide additional information and resources to assist municipal officials in achieving compliance with physical accessibility requirements.
Ensuring Accessibility:
Goals and Solutions for Improving the Accessibility of Maine’s Voting Places
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), enacted by Congress on October 29, 2002, is the most significant piece of federal election reform legislation in the past 30 years. The federal law seeks to enhance the accessibility and integrity of elections across the country and authorizes federal funding to assist states in meeting the law's requirements. HAVA presents Maine with an exciting opportunity to enhance our elections with an unprecedented level of resources.
The State of Maine is committed to ensuring equal access to elections for all citizens.
Voting is one of the fundamental rights we have 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 for you.
If you would like to vote by absentee ballot, please take a few moments to review the information below. Contact your local municipal clerk or the Elections Division if you have additional questions.
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.
Maine has one of the most accessible voting processes in the country. If you feel you have been denied the opportunity to vote, please discuss the situation with the local clerk or warden. If you cannot resolve the issue, contact the Elections Division at 207-624-7650. To be eligible to vote in Maine, you must meet the following requirements: