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Democracy, as the saying goes, is not a spectator sport. Messy and frustrating as our government is, it is built on the notion of citizen participation, namely that the citizens choose the people who represent them, in the White House, Congress, state legislatures, town councils and municipal boards.
That participation means casting ballots in this year’s election.
Maine has long been a leader in voter turnout.
In 2020, the last presidential election year, Maine had the second-highest voter turnout with more than 74 percent of the voting-age population casting ballots. That was a significant increase from the 69 percent in 2016, when Maine ranked first in the nation for voter turnout.
Again this year, the Pine Tree State looks poised to set an example for engagement in our democracy.
Since Labor Day, Maine has seen a significant uptick in voter registration. During the week of Sept. 9, more than 5,700 people registered to vote through the secretary of state’s online portal. Last week, more than 5,300 people registered. That’s a significant increase from roughly 1,300 a week during August, according to the secretary of state’s office.
Not all these people represent new voters as some may have moved and updated their address. Some could have used the portal to change their party affiliation.
Online registration is available in Maine through Oct. 15. You can also fill out a registration card at your city or town office or any Bureau of Motor Vehicles location.
Maine is one of 23 states that allows same-day voter registration, so you can also register at the polls on Nov. 5 before you cast your ballot.
There is no reason to wait, however.
Early voting began in Maine on Monday. Maine is one of 28 states that allows no-excuse absentee voting, and the system doubles as the state’s form of early voting. You can fill out an absentee ballot in person at your municipal office through Oct. 31.
If you want to vote absentee and return your ballot by mail, ballot drop box or in person to your local clerk, you can request a ballot using the state’s online form or making a request at your municipal office. If you return your ballot by mail, because of mail delivery delays, the secretary of state recommends allowing seven to 10 days to ensure the ballot gets to the town office in time to be counted.
More than 106,000 absentee ballots have been requested so far in Maine, according to data from the secretary of state’s office. That is far behind the pace of 2020, although that election was held during a pandemic when voting by absentee ballot was emphasized.
You can find a list of statewide ballot questions and a citizen guide to the referendums on the secretary of state’s website. You can also find your polling place and a sample state ballot customized for your legislative district on the office’s online voter information lookup service.
No matter what method you use to vote, it is important that you cast a ballot on or before Nov. 5.
