Maine
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Maine is one of the stronger blue states for voting rights in the country, particularly in the area of felon enfranchisement. However, more can be done to improve the registration process.
EveryDistrict Action Fund is not currently tracking any pro-voting legislation in Maine. Contact your legislator using the FIND MY LEGISLATOR button below and encourage them to introduce legislation that would implement one of EveryDistrict Action Fund’s recommendations for Maine.
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Automatic Voter Registration- Maine has not implemented automatic voter registration.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement automatic voter registration with a broad list of state agencies.
Online Voter Registration- Maine does not have online voter registration.RECOMMENDATION: Implement online voter registration.
Same-Day Registration- Maine has implemented same-day registration on Election Day.
Voter ID Requirement- Maine does not require Voter ID to vote. However, registering voters must provide two valid forms of identification: a driver’s license or social security number, in addition to a form of ID with the voter’s name and current address. No photo ID is required.
Early Voting- Early voting in Maine begins as soon as absentee ballots are available and ends three days before Election Day.
No Excuse Absentee- Maine does offer no excuse absentee voting.
Mail-In Voting- Mail-in voting only occurs in the context of absentee voting in Maine. RECOMMENDATION: Move Maine toward a mail-in vote state in line with practices in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Felon Re-Enfranchisement- Convicted felons always retain their right to vote. Maine is one of only two states where this is the law (Vermont is the other).
Voter Bill of Rights- While there is no voter bill of rights in Maine, the state does provide easy to understand voting rights animated videos on their website. RECOMMENDATION: Build on the animated videos with an implemented voter bill of rights that is made available to voters in the state directly and through appropriate websites.
Polling Hours- For towns with fewer than 500 people, polls may open anytime between 6 am to 10 am. For towns with greater than 500 people, polls must open sometime between 6 am and 8 am. All polls close at 8 pm. Therefore, polls are open between 10 and 14 hours for smaller communities and between 12 and 14 hours for larger communities. RECOMMENDATION: For the communities with greater than 500 people, standardize poll open times at 14 hours, consistent with leading states.
Wait Time Service Standard- Like other states, Maine does not have a wait time service standard. While Maine has substantial early voting, improving the Election Day experience is still vital.RECOMMENDATION: Implement and monitor a wait time service standard for polling places in Maine.
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