by Nicholas Janzen • October 15, 2024
Voting season is upon us, friends! The early voting window officially opened in Maine on October 7, and it’s easier than ever to make your voice heard. Here, I want to highlight two new features available to eligible Maine voters, because your vote is more important than ever. In 2022, our Environmental Majority in the Maine House of Representatives was decided by just over 1,000 votes, and experts are predicting a similarly close election this year.
Online Voter Registration
If you’re not yet registered to vote, there’s a new, super easy registration option available this year–Online Voter Registration. Just enter some key information, and the system will verify your details, process your registration, and send you a confirmation.
The deadline to register online is October 15, so take a few minutes and do it now! If you don’t register online by the 15th, you can always register in-person at your municipal clerk’s office (find your clerk here!) or on Election Day at your polling place.
Ongoing Absentee Voting
Another new and easy way that some Mainers can vote is by requesting an ongoing absentee ballot. Typically, to vote absentee, voters must request a new absentee ballot every election. But 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. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 31, and your ballot must be returned to your clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
We all care deeply about acting on the climate crisis, protecting the environment, and safeguarding our democracy. Your vote is your voice, a lifeline for the issues we champion. Share this information with your friends and family, make a plan to vote, and let’s create a powerful green wave of environmentally-minded voters ready to make a difference this election season!
