Maine

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Maine by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Maine Secretary of State website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Maine Secretary of State website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person.
• On Election Day: Maine has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Maine varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Bring documentation to prove your identity. Accepted documents include a current utility bill, driver's license or ID, bank statement, paycheck stub, student ID for a higher education institution in Maine. In addition, any government document with your name and address will do.

Registering to vote by mail

You must list your valid Maine driver's license number. If you don't have a valid Maine driver's license, then you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Voters who don't have either of these forms of ID must write 'NONE' in this space. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You'll need to enter your Maine driver's license or ID number.

Registering to vote on Election Day

Bring documents to prove your identity and Maine residency. You can show a current utility bill, or use your driver's license or ID, bank statement or paycheck stub. Any government document with your name and address will do.

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Maine can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Maine’s voter registration page on the Maine Voter Information Lookup website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

You may register to vote in person at a town office or city hall through Election Day.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Maine has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Maine, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Maine residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be at least 16 years of age to pre-register to vote
• Have established a fixed principal home in Maine.
• To vote in a Referendum or General Election, you must be registered in the community where you reside and be at least 18 years of age.
• A 17 year old may vote in a Primary Election, if that person will be 18 by the General Election.

In Maine, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Maine gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.