Early voting for the November election is underway in Maine. Here’s how to do it
Maine Opens Early Voting for 2026 Election
Early voting for the November 3, 2026 election began on Monday, giving Mainers a window to cast their ballots in person, by mail, or through community drop boxes. Voters can begin the process immediately and must complete their early vote by Thursday, Oct. 29, the last day before Election Day.
The state’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, confirmed in a Monday morning briefing in Brunswick that the laws governing early voting and absentee ballots remain unchanged. “We have all unfortunately experienced frustration with the Postal Service and things from everyday mail to prescriptions not arriving in a timely manner,” Bellows said. “That’s why it can be so helpful to vote early.” Her remarks come amid nationwide attention on mail‑in voting and the desire to keep the process accessible.
How to Vote Early
Mainers may choose from three options:
In‑person – Ballots can be cast at the town office during early‑voting hours. Some municipalities offer Monday‑through‑Friday access, while others provide only a few days or require an appointment. The Secretary of State’s website lists each town’s office hours and drop‑box locations on the “Municipal Office Hours & Absentee Drop Box Locations” form.
By mail – Absentee ballots can be requested online or in person, with the request deadline on Oct. 29. Ballots must be delivered to a municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Unlike several states that accept postmarked ballots received after Election Day, Maine counts only ballots that arrive by the close of polls on Nov. 3.
Drop box – Communities that host a drop box allow voters to deposit ballots at any time during the early‑voting period. If a town’s drop‑box location isn’t listed online, residents can contact their town clerk for details.
Voters who need a ballot for a disability or who serve overseas can find additional information on the “Absentee Voting” page of the secretary of state’s site.
Registration and Tracking
Mainers who are not yet registered, or who need to update their registration information or party enrollment, can do so online or in person on Election Day. The online portal, registertovote.sos.maine.gov, also offers the ability to submit requests for absentee ballots.
Once a ballot has been mailed, voters can check its status on the “absenteeballotrequest.sos.maine.gov” portal, which provides real‑time updates on receipt, acceptance, and counting.
Early‑Voting Numbers So Far
The secretary of state’s office publishes absentee‑request statistics every Tuesday and Thursday. Prior to the start of early voting, the office reported that 70,260 Mainers had requested absentee ballots. More than 45,000 ballots have been issued and nearly 800 ballots have been returned and accepted. The party‑breakdown of requests shows 57% from registered Democrats, 14% from Republicans, and 26% from unenrolled voters, a trend that has narrowed the early‑voting gap in recent years.
The Election at Stake
The November 3 ballot includes high‑profile races for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House, along with contests for the state House and local offices. With early voting now open, Mainers have ample opportunity to weigh in on the issues that will shape the state’s future.
For a full list of early‑voting locations, hours, and drop‑box sites, visit the Maine Secretary of State’s “Upcoming Elections” page or download the municipal office and drop‑box schedule. For more comprehensive guidance, consult the free 2026 Maine Voter Guide
