AUGUSTA — Maine’s newly redesigned online absentee ballot request service is now available for the Nov. 3 General Election.

The Elections Division, in coordination with the State's online service provider, InforME, has improved the design of the page to make the options clearer and easier to read.

In addition, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is adding an option for voters to request an accessible absentee ballot, which will allow voters with disabilities to cast their absentee ballots privately and independently.

The accessible voting option is still under development and will go live in mid-September, per the Department. 

Any registered Maine voter may choose to vote absentee, either via mail or in person at their town or city hall prior to Election Day. Voters do not need to provide a reason to vote absentee.

The online service provides an email notification with a confirmation number.

When the request is processed and accepted by the municipal clerk, the voter will receive additional notification and the ballot will arrive by mail.

All Maine municipalities are required to accept electronic requests for absentee ballots.

Voters can also print out the form maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/pdf/absballot1120.pdf and mail or hand-deliver it to their municipal clerk at their town or city hall. For mailing addresses, click here. 

Voters must submit absentee ballot requests or vote in-person absentee at least three business days prior to the Nov. 3 Election.

Municipal clerks receive the ballots 30 days prior to the election and will then begin to send ballots to voters who have requested them, beginning in early October.

You may vote absentee at the clerk's office as soon as absentee ballots are available. Absentee ballots are available at least 30 days before the election at the municipal clerk's office. You don't need to complete an application if you vote in person at the clerk's office. The deadline for absentee voting in the presence of the clerk, unless special circumstances exist, is the Thursday before the election.

If you have questions about the absentee voting process in Maine, visit the Department of Secretary of State Absentee Voter Information webpage or call the Division of Elections at 624-7650.