Election Day in Maine may come with tensions over poll watching
Election volunteers George Bruns, left, and Carl Gatto unfold absentee ballots at Kennebunk Town Hall during June's primary election. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)
Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson.
Maine elections officials are warning of potential friction at the polls ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced plans to send election monitors to Portland and Lewiston — cities with large immigrant communities.
Meanwhile, recent reports of possible voter intimidation in Lewiston have prompted a nonprofit coalition of military veterans to launch its own poll-watching program. Their intention is to stake out the polls to make sure federal agents or other groups aren’t intimidating voters.
Related
State monitoring complaints of voter harassment in Lewiston
But their efforts have prompted a word of warning from Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, the state’s top elections official.
“While well-meaning, the presence of large groups at polling locations may actually have the opposite effect (and discourage) some voters from voting,” Bellows said in a written statement.
“We’ve instructed wardens to ensure that no voters are intimidated on Election Day, and we will be working closely with local clerks and the Office of the Attorney General to safeguard the right to vote for every Maine citizen.”
Advertisement
The expected surge in poll watching comes amid concerns that President Donald Trump will somehow try to influence the midterm elections using the power of the federal government. Trump has repeatedly made unproven claims of widespread voter fraud and has been trying to exert more control over state-run elections. His Department of Justice has already sued Alaska over its ballot, claiming that if the Republican candidate there loses, the result should not be certified.
Maine’s Senate race is one of a handful nationally that could determine control of the upper chamber and set the course for Trump’s final two years in office. It’s one of the Democrats’ top pickup opportunities, since incumbent Sen. Susan Collins is the only Senate Republican running in a state won by Democrats in the 2024 presidential election. Polls show Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in a tight race.
Related
Republican ads call Troy Jackson and his family corrupt. Are they telling the truth?
Mainers will also choose a new governor and a new 2nd District congressman, since Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, of Lewiston, is not running for reelection.
Last week, the DOJ announced that it plans to send about 1,000 staffers to monitor elections across the country — the most ever.
The DOJ has been increasing voting monitoring efforts in recent years. CBS News reported that the agency had 289 watchers in 2022 and 714 people across 26 states in 2024.
At least two municipalities in Maine have been put on notice by the DOJ ahead of the midterms. Portland and Lewiston received letters on Wednesday about the federal government’s plans to send election monitors from its Civil Rights Division on Nov. 3.
Advertisement
The letter says staff will be onsite to make sure federal voting laws are being followed, including the Voting Rights Act; National Voter Registration Act; Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act; Civil Rights Act; and Help America Vote Act.
“If any issues arise on election day, the Team Lead or I will call you or your designee,” DOJ regional coordinator and senior trial attorney James Tucker wrote to the city clerks. “We will also provide you with our contact information if you have any concerns.”
Bellows said in a written statement that the state will ensure that the federal monitors comply with state laws. She said DOJ staffers cannot interact with voters, handle ballots or equipment, or disrupt voting in anyway.
“It’s important to note that DOJ has sent monitors to observe elections for decades,” Bellows said. “We will monitor their activities to ensure that they follow state and federal law, and that every voter is able to cast their ballot free from interference or intimidation.”
The effort comes as the Trump administration has been seeking more control over elections. Several states, including Maine, have resisted attempts by the White House to require that they provide sensitive voter information to the federal government, saying the U.S. Constitution delegates control of elections to the states.
Outside groups, such as the League of Women Voters of Maine and the ACLU of Maine, routinely monitor elections as well. But even more groups are expected to have a presence at the polls this cycle.
Advertisement
A spokesperson for the Maine People’s Alliance said the group plans to have faith leaders and military veterans watching the polls.
Over the weekend, the MPA-affiliated Maine Veterans Alliance issued a call to action for service members to observe polling locations on Election Day. The group said it’s worried that the Trump administration will deploy “federal forces in ways that intimidate voters.”
“Our goal is to stand in solidarity with voters who may feel intimidated, offer reassurance and support to those who are concerned, and remain vigilant while maintaining a peaceful presence,” wrote organizer Tristin Friend.
The 29-year-old Herman resident said in an interview Monday that about 30 veterans have already signed up. He said poll watchers will likely be wearing matching blue T-shirts to they can be identified. He stressed that the group will follow all local, state and federal election laws.
“We very much care about being there peacefully,” said Friend, who said he served in the Army National Guard from 2015-21.
Friend said he and other veterans were alarmed about reports last week of immigrants being targeted in Lewiston by staff of the Maine Wire, a conservative website affiliated with the Maine Policy Institute.
Advertisement
Several voters have claimed that the outlet’s reporters have been staking out the polls and harassing voters as they try to cast their ballots with the help of interpreters.
Videos that have circulated on social media showed a confrontation at the polls between a Maine Wire reporter and Safiya Khalid, a local advocate and former city councilor.
Lewiston City Hall now has posted notices advising visitors that since City Hall is a voting place, video recording and photography is prohibited within 15 feet of voters, per state statute.
On Monday, Lewiston City Clerk Kathleen Montejo said early voting was brisk and problem-free.
“I don’t believe we are having any more issues with voter intimidation; I have not received any additional complaints beyond the one from last week,” Montejo said. “We have posted signs regarding the limits under the law about photos and video and everyone seems to be abiding by that.”
This story contains reporting from The Associated Press.
Copy the Story Link
Tagged: election 2026, senate 2026
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined. More by Randy Billings
