Do I need proof of identification to vote in Maine?
When you vote in person, you must show one form of ID. If you register by mail, you must provide copies of your ID. You can hand-deliver or mail your forms to city hall, or you can send them to the Secretary of State’s Office at the Division of Elections. Use proper postage and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
If you plan on registering online, you’ll need either a Maine driver’s license or state ID.
If you register by mail, you must provide a copy of your Maine driver’s license and one other ID form. These alternate IDs include:
- Another valid photo ID
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- A government document that includes your name and address
When you have completed the form, you can hand-deliver it, mail it to city hall, or send it to the Secretary of State’s Office in Augusta at the Division of Elections: #101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101.
Military and overseas voters can use the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) to complete an application and request an absentee ballot.
What is ranked-choice voting?
Maine uses ranked-choice voting. This system, sometimes called instant run-off voting, allows voters to choose their candidates in order of preference, by marking candidates as their first, second, third, and subsequent choices.
The votes are then tabulated in rounds, with the lowest-ranked candidates eliminated in each round until there are only two candidates left. The candidate who gets more than 50% of the votes is declared the winner.
What are some of the different eligibilities to vote in Maine?
The State of Maine has special rules for groups of people who have difficulty voting in person.
Some of these include:
- For survivors of violence: Maine participates in the Address Confidentiality Program to protect victims of violence who may be at risk if someone publicly displays their address and phone number.
- For homeless or impermanent voters: You must provide an address when registering. You can describe the location where you most often stay or give the address of a shelter where you can receive mail. If you register at the polls on Election Day, the worker may ask you where you slept the night before to determine which polling place you should use to vote.
- For incarcerated voters: Inmates can register to vote using the address where they lived before their incarceration.
Election officials don’t automatically register you to vote because you submitted a voter registration application. They must verify the information you provided first. They will notify you once they approve your voter registration application or if they need further information.
When is Maine’s voter registration deadline?
There is no deadline for registering to vote in person. If you want to register to vote online or by mail, you must do so before the close of business on the 21st day before the election.
How do you request an absentee ballot in Maine?
Any registered voter can cast an absentee ballot. You don’t need a reason. Submit an absentee ballot request, then fill out the ballot and return it to your municipal clerk or the Secretary of State.
You can apply:
- As early as three months before Election Day
- Up until the third business day before the election
If you are in the military or live overseas, use the FVAP website to request an absentee ballot.
What do I need to bring to the polls in Maine?
You only need to present your identification at the polls if you are voting in person on Election Day. If you are registering to vote, see above for information about the documents you can use to establish identification and proof of residence.
If you do not have ID or proof of residence, you can still vote using a challenged ballot. You will have to show your ID after the election. Unlike many other states, Maine counts these provisional ballots even if the voter casts them in the wrong precinct.
What special accommodations are available?
Every polling place must have at least one accessible voting station. Maine uses an accessible voting system called ExpressVote to help voters with disabilities. The ExpressVote is a tabletop ballot marking device that allows users to navigate a ballot using a touchscreen or a keypad with audio. The system generates a ballot that workers can use in the scanner found at most Maine polling places.
Maine strives to provide an accessible voting process. Polling places must be handicap accessible. If you worry about accessibility, you can discuss the situation with the local clerk or warden. If you need help to resolve the issue, contact the Elections Division at 1-888-868-3763.
What if I see something illegal at the polls?
If you see or experience a problem at the polls that you believe is illegal, report it to a poll worker. This may include:
- Voter harassment or intimidation
- A poll worker prohibiting you from voting
- Electoral fraud
You can complain to the clerk or registrar of voters in your municipality.
You can also file a complaint with the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s Office at cec.elections@maine.gov or by calling 207-624-7650. You can also report voting law violations to the U.S. Department of Justice.
A Civil Rights Attorney in Maine Can Help
Contact a seasoned attorney if you feel someone has violated your voting rights or have questions about Maine’s voting laws. Talking to an experienced civil rights lawyer can help you pursue action against the infringing party and clarify any questions you have about the voting laws in the State of Maine.
Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
