by Nicholas Janzen • September 17, 2024
Today marks an important milestone in the runup to the November 5th election–National Voter Registration Day! Here at MCV, we’re celebrating by helping YOU make a voting plan.
As you well know, elections shape the leaders and policies that determine how – or if – we fight climate change, conserve lands and waters, and safeguard our democracy. Voting is a crucial piece of having your voice heard on the issues impacting you and your community.
The surest way to vote is with a plan. Fortunately, in no small part due to the hard work of MCV and our members, Maine makes it incredibly easy to vote! Whether new to voting, new to Maine, or just need a reminder about the location of your polling place, we’ve got you covered:
Online Voter Registration
This year, Maine voters have a new, modern, and super convenient way to register to vote. All you need to do is visit the Secretary of State’s Voter Registration website and enter some key information, including your name and driver’s license or state ID number (or the last four digits of your social security number and an image of your handwritten signature if you don’t have those forms of identification). The system will verify your details, process your registration, and (usually) provide prompt confirmation. Voila!
Same Day Registration
Get to the polls, and realize you’re not registered? In Maine, that’s not a problem. 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 (for example, a Maine driver’s license, vehicle registration, or tax documents–see a longer list here).
Absentee Voting
If you’re already registered to vote (and we hope you are!), it’s still important to figure out whether you’ll be voting absentee or in-person. Absentee voting is an essential option that ensures all eligible voters have the chance to participate, and you don’t need a reason to vote absentee. You can request an absentee ballot here. When it arrives, make sure to fill it out, sign the back of the envelope, and return it. Then 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 (you can find your clerk here). If you have any questions, either the Maine Secretary of State’s Absentee Voting Guide or Vote411 should have an answer.
Also new this year: voters who will be at least 65 years of age by November 5th or who self-identify as having a disability may apply for ongoing absentee voter status, meaning you’ll automatically receive an absentee ballot for each statewide election, municipal election and any other election that you’re eligible to vote in. How convenient!
Early Voting
You can also vote early in person right at your town office. This portal will send you in the right direction.
In-person, Day-of Voting
Personally, it’s my favorite option. I love walking to the polls on Election Day and wondering about the possibilities ahead of us. There’s something about the crisp, fall air and the anticipation of learning the results that gives me a real buzz. Or maybe I just drink too much coffee on Election Day as a nervous habit.
Whatever your Election Day routine, make sure you know where your polling place is.
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 5th. And feel free to reach out to me directly at njanzen@maineconservation.org if you have any questions.
