Maine Women's Policy Center

Election 2012

Women have been voting since the women’s suffrage constitutional amendment passed in 1920. However, it was not until recently did the female constituency gain momentum as its own separate electorate group, outvoting men in every major national election since 1964.

Now more than ever, women’s voices and votes matter. Women's issues are prominent this election, with legislation to restrict women’s access to income security and healthcare at the center of debates at both the state and federal levels.

The Maine Women’s Policy Center is devoted to improving the economic, social, and political status of women and girls in Maine through public policy and leadership development. Voting and civic engagement is at the heart of change, and we strongly encourage all women to register, vote, and get involved this election season!

Important Dates

Primary ELECTION Registration Deadline:

Tuesday, May 22^nd by mail
Register in person up to or on the day of the Primary Election

Primary Election:

Tuesday, June 12^th

General Election Registration Deadline:

Tuesday, October 16^th by mail
Register in person up to or on Election Day

General Election

Tuesday, November 6^th

Frequently Asked Questions about Voting in Maine

Registering to Vote

Who can register to vote in Maine?

You must be a US citizen living in Maine in order to register. You must be at least 17 years old, with your 18^th birthday arriving on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 6^th, 2012.

How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote by filling out a voter registration application. You can print a copy from the Secretary of State’s website or pick one up at your local town office, city hall, most state and federal social security agencies, through a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or during a voter registration drive. Completed voter registration applications can be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State’s Office at 101 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.

What do I need in order to register to vote?

If you are registering for the first time you will need to bring a government-issued I.D. (e.g. license or state identification card) or a document showing your current address (e.g. an apartment lease or utility bill).

I am concerned that by registering, my address with no longer be confidential. How can I protect my personal information?

You can contact hte Secretary of State at 207-624-7650 to request that your address remain confidential.

Primary Elections

Who can vote in a Maine primary?

A US citizen who has attained the age of 17 may vote in a primary if that person will be 18 by Election Day. You can only participate in one primary election (Democratic or Republican). Independents and unenrolled voters may vote in either election, but you must enroll in that party first and remain a member of that party for three months before dropping party affiliation.

What is the purpose of the Primary Election?

The 2012 primary will determine each party's nomination for U.S. Senate and Representative to Congress, for Maine State Senate and State Representative, and for some County offices. Candidates who are elected by their respective parties appear on the ballot on Election Day.

Absentee Voting

Who may vote absentee?

Anyone registered to vote in the State of Maine is eligible to cast an absentee ballot. No specific reason or special circumstances are necessary in order to vote absentee.

How do I obtain an absentee ballot?

To receive an absentee ballot, fill out an absentee ballot application online, or print a copy and mail or fax it to the Secretary of State, Division of Elections. You may also contact your municipal clerk by telephone to request a ballot be mailed directly to your home. Absentee ballots may be requested 3 months prior to Election Day (i.e. no earlier than August 6, 2012), and until the 3^rd business day prior to the election (i.e. no later than November 2, 2012).

How do I vote absentee?

Fill out and return the ballot to the municipal clerk. Absentee ballots may be mailed or hand delivered. To be counted, they must be received by 8pm on Election Day.

Election Day

Who can vote in Maine on Election Day?

To vote, you must be a US citizen registered in the town you wish to vote in, and be at least 18 years old.

How can I find my polling place?

You can locate your polling place by visiting the online Voter Information Lookup service provided by the State of Maine.

When can I vote on Election Day?

Polling locations open between 6am and 10am, and close at 8pm on Election Day. Contact your town office or city hall to confirm the hours your polling location will be open.

Do I need to bring an ID to the polls on Election Day?

If you are a first-time voter, or have moved since the last election, you should bring your ID and a proof of residency. However, no eligible voter can be refused the right to vote on Election Day.

Election Results

Where can I find election results?

Election results for Maine are available through the Maine Secretary of State's website.

Additional Resources

Fact Sheets and GuidAnce Documents

No documents found.