Absentee Voting
A recent change in Maine law makes it even easier to cast an absentee ballot. Maine law now allows for `no reason' absentee ballots. You don't have to be out-of-town or have any other reason to take advantage of this easy way to vote at a time that is most convenient to you.
Who do I contact about an absentee ballot?
You need to contact the municipal clerk where you are registered to vote. Absentee ballot applications are available beginning 3 months before Election Day.
You may go in person to vote at the clerk’s office as soon as absentee ballots are available.~ Absentee ballots are available 30 days before the election at the municipal clerk’s office.~ You do not need to complete an application if you vote in person at the clerk’s office.
You can make a telephone request for your own ballot. A ballot will be mailed to the address you provide to the clerk.
You can also make a written request or complete an absentee ballot application. This application can be mailed, faxed or delivered in person to the municipal clerk.
You can also obtain a ballot for an immediate family member in this same way. A ballot will be mailed to the voter directly or to the immediate family member making the request.
NOTE: Immediate family member includes: spouse, parent, child, sister, brother, stepparent, 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.
Ballots obtained by the voter or an immediate family member do not require witnesses, unless the voter receives assistance from another person in reading or marking the ballot, then 2 witnesses are required, the person assisting the voter may be one of the witnesses.
You may make a written request for a "third person" (someone other than the voter or the voter's immediate family member) to obtain and hand-deliver an absentee ballot.
You must designate, in a written request or application, the specific third person who will handle and deliver the ballot.~ Only this designated third person may carry the absentee ballot. Ballots cast in this way must be witnessed by either a notary public, municipal clerk or clerk of courts; OR 2 witnesses are required.
When does my voted absentee ballot have to be received by the clerk?
To be counted, the clerk must receive a voted absentee ballot by 8:00 P.M. on Election Day.~ Any absentee ballots received after this time will not be counted.
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