How to vote in Maine

People over 18 who have a fixed principal residence in Maine can vote in state elections. You must register to vote in the community you live in.

Registering to vote

Maine has no deadline for registering in person at your town office or city hall. You can also register to vote by mail up to 21 days before an election.

Register to vote

Voting in person on election day

Polls in Maine open somewhere between 6:00 and 10:00 AM depending on the size of the town and all close at 8:00 PM on election day.

Find your polling place

Voting by mail

Anyone registered to vote in Maine can vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot. Ballots will be available about one month prior to the election, and you do not need to provide a reason for the request.

You can also pick up a ballot at your municipal clerk's office or you can request one by mail (PDF request form, Word request form) or by calling your town clerk's office.

After you fill out your ballot, you can send it back in the mail (it's recommended to send it in at least 15 days before the election due to USPS delays) or you can take it to your municipal clerk's office.

Tips for completing an absentee ballot
Check absentee ballot status
More information about absentee voting

Voting early

You can also vote in-person early at your municipal clerk's office, usually about a month before the election. For the November 2020 election, most towns allow early voting until October 30.

Accessible absentee voting

The state has an online system for people with print disabilities that prevent marking a paper ballot.

Learn more about accessible absentee voting

Additional resources

How to Vote in Maine Transcript
How to vote in every state