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Maine elections in 2026

This page lists Maine statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Maine​

Start with the official Maine voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Maine voters may register by mail or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta. Mail-in registration must be received 21 days before Election Day.
  • June 9, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. However, there is no registration deadline when registering to vote in person at the town office or city hall. The deadline for mail registrations and voter registration drives is the 21st day before the election. 21-A M. R. S. A. ,§112-A, §121-A, §122.

Online​

Online is not currently listed as an available registration option for Maine.

By Mail​

Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta. Mail-in registration must be received 21 days before Election Day.

Deadlines

In Person​

Voters may register in person at designated election offices or voter registration agencies.

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. However, there is no registration deadline when registering to vote in person at the town office or city hall. The deadline for mail registrations and voter registration drives is the 21st day before the election. 21-A M. R. S. A. ,§112-A, §121-A, §122

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.

Absentee and early voting in Maine​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • April 25, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting available as soon as absentee ballots are ready (30-45 days before election). **Note: ** The original date is April 25, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - April 27
  • May 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta. Mail-in registration must be received 21 days before Election Day.
  • June 6, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends Three business days before election, unless the voter has an acceptable excuse. **Note: ** The original date is June 6, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - June 8
  • June 9, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. However, there is no registration deadline when registering to vote in person at the town office or city hall. The deadline for mail registrations and voter registration drives is the 21st day before the election. 21-A M. R. S. A. ,§112-A, §121-A, §122.

Voter ID requirements in Maine​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Maine voter ID requirements.

Maine election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 9, 2026​

A primary election is held on the second Tuesday in June for the nomination of Congressional and State candidates to be voted for at the next general election. Semi-Open Primary: Maine law allows Unenrolled registered voters – those who have chosen not to enroll in a party – to select a party primary to vote in without enrolling in that party.

Important dates​

  • March 16, 2026 — Candidates Filling Deadline: In order to qualify for the Primary Election ballot, party candidates must gather a specified number of signatures on primary nomination petitions between January 1, 2026 and March 16, 2026 and submit these petitions to the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections by 5: 00 p. m. on March 16, 2026.
  • April 25, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting available as soon as absentee ballots are ready (30-45 days before election). **Note: ** The original date is April 25, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - April 27
  • May 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta. Mail-in registration must be received 21 days before Election Day.
  • June 6, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends Three business days before election, unless the voter has an acceptable excuse. **Note: ** The original date is June 6, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - June 8
  • June 9, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. However, there is no registration deadline when registering to vote in person at the town office or city hall. The deadline for mail registrations and voter registration drives is the 21st day before the election. 21-A M. R. S. A. ,§112-A, §121-A, §122.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • June 1, 2026 — Candidates Filling Deadline: Nonparty candidates gain access directly to the General Election ballot by gathering a specified number of signatures on nonparty nomination petitions between January 1, 2026 and June 1, 2026 and must submit these petitions to the Division of Elections by 5: 00 pm on June 1, 2026.
  • September 19, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting available as soon as absentee ballots are ready (30-45 days before election). **Note: ** The original date is September 19, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - September 21
  • October 13, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta. Mail-in registration must be received 21 days before Election Day.
  • October 31, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends Three business days before election, unless the voter has an acceptable excuse. **Note: ** The original date is October 31, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 33
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. However, there is no registration deadline when registering to vote in person at the town office or city hall. The deadline for mail registrations and voter registration drives is the 21st day before the election. 21-A M. R. S. A. ,§112-A, §121-A, §122.

Official Maine election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.