by Will Sedlack • October 13, 2023
We’re only a few weeks away from the November 7th election, and I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz all around the state about some of the eight questions that will be on the ballot.
Making a plan NOW to vote by November 7th is crucial to having your voice heard on issues impacting the future of our state.
Here’s the good news: Maine makes it incredibly easy to vote through its no-excuse absentee voting program, same day voter registration, early voting, and more. Here’s what you need to know:
Voter Registration:
If you’re not registered to vote yet, don’t worry! In Maine, you can register to vote in-person up to and on Election Day. To register, you’ll need to show an ID and proof of your Maine residency (some examples include a Maine driver’s license, vehicle registration, and tax documents).
If you choose to mail your voter registration to your municipal clerk, you’ll need to fill out this form and mail it as soon as you can to make sure the clerk receives it by the end of the day on Tuesday, October 17.
Absentee Ballots:
If you haven’t requested your absentee ballot yet, you can do so here. When it arrives, make sure to fill it out, sign the back of the envelope, and return it. You can mail your ballot or use a ballot drop box if your town has one. No matter how you return your ballot, it must be received by your municipal clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day. If you have any questions, either the Maine Secretary of State’s Absentee Voting Guide or Vote411 should have an answer.
With only a few weeks to go, we strongly suggest you send in your absentee ballot today (if you already have it), or visit your town office and vote early using an absentee ballot in person.
Early voting:
If you have not yet requested an absentee ballot and would like to vote early, you can go to your town office and vote right there and then. To find your town office and hours, search your town here.
Voting in-person:
If you’re planning to vote on election day – November 7th – you can find your local polling location here.
We need to make sure that everyone who cares as much as we do about the future of Maine’s democracy and communities turns out to vote in this important election. So please make a plan to vote, whether it’s absentee or at the polls on Tuesday, November 7th. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me directly at will@maineconservation.org.
