A voter deposits a ballot in a drop box at Portland’s City Hall. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)
With the Nov. 5 election less than a month away, Maine voters can now vote absentee in person at their municipal clerk’s office.
Some municipalities may have received ballots early and already started in-person absentee voting, but it is available statewide as of Monday.
Here are some details about in-person absentee voting in Maine. Check our Voter Guide for additional information before and after you cast your vote.
Who can vote absentee?
Any eligible voter can request to vote absentee in Maine. No special circumstance or reason is required. Absentee ballots can be requested online, by mail or by calling the municipal clerk in the town or city where they are registered to vote.
As of Thursday, more than 102,000 absentee ballots had been requested, per data from the Maine Secretary of State’s office, which will be regularly updated in the lead up to the election.
More than 62,000 ballots have been issued and about 3,600 were already returned.
How do I find out details about where and when to vote absentee?
The hours and location details vary, based on the municipality where a person is registered to vote, but contact information for municipal clerks and registrars is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
Can I track my absentee ballot?
The Secretary of State has a new tracking system for voters to monitor the status of their absentee ballot.
When does in-person absentee voting end?
The last day for in-person absentee voting is Oct. 31.
What will be on the ballot?
In addition to the presidential race, this November’s ballot includes a U.S. Senate race and both of Maine’s seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. All voters will see the Senate race on their ballot and one of the House races.
Farther down the ballot, voters will see their local candidates for the Maine Senate and House of Representatives.
There will also be five statewide referendum questions to decide on, including one asking whether the state should adopt a new flag.
To find what is on your specific ballot — such as local referendum questions and municipal candidates — you can enter your address on the Vote 411 website.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.