Maine Voter Registration Information

Primary Election
June 12, 2012

Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline
June 12, 2012

General Election
November 6, 2012

General Election Voter Registration Deadline
November 6, 2012

Voter Registration and Eligibility
There is no cut-off date for in-person voter registration.  An applicant may register on Election Day at the polls. However, applications submitted by mail or a 3rd person must be received by the close of 21 business daysbefore the election.
When registering to vote within 20 days before an election, or on Election Day, a voter must register in person and must show proof of identity and residency.
Can change party affiliation 15 days before the election or select party
affiliation at the polls. You must be enrolled in a party to participate in the primary election.

QUALIFICATIONS

To register to vote in Maine, you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Have established and maintain a residence in the municipality where the person intends to register to vote
• Be at least 17 years of age (must be at least 18 years old to vote in the general election)

OBTAINING A VOTER REGISTRATION FORM

Can register to vote in person or obtain a mail-in application from:

• Town Election Office (contact information)
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• State and Federal Social Service Agencies
• Voter registration drives

 Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State’s Office in Augusta.

MAINE ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Who Can Absentee Vote in Maine?

Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the polling place. You do not need to have a specific reason or be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day to use an absentee ballot.

How Can I Acquire an Absentee Ballot?

Absentee ballots may be requested beginning three months before Election Day. Make your request ballot early to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you.

In Person:
You may vote absentee at the Clerk's Office as soon as absentee ballots are available. Absentee ballots are available 30 to 45 days before the election at the Municipal Clerk's Office. You don't need to complete an application if you vote in person at the Clerk's Office.

By Mail:
A voter may request an absentee ballot from his local Municipal Clerk's Office in person, by phone, or in writing. For contact information see: list of local local election offices.

A voter can also obtain an application for an absentee ballot online here. The application may be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person to the Clerk's Office.

Any voter may also make a request for an absentee ballot for a member of his immediate family (immediate family members include: spouse, parent, child, sister, brother, step-parent, stepchild, stepsister, stepbrother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, guardian or former guardian).

A written request may be made for a third party (someone other than the voter or the   voter's immediate family) to obtain and hand-deliver an absentee ballot.            

You can make a telephone request for your own ballot, which will be mailed to the address you provide to the clerk.

Additional Information for Overseas Voters

How do I Return the Absentee Ballot and What is the Deadline?

In order to be counted, a completed ballot must be returned to the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Source of information:
Office of the Secretary of State
Division of Elections
101 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0101
Phone: 207-624-7736
E-Mail: [email protected]

http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/

PROTECT YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
BY EXERCISING YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!