AUGUSTA — Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced Monday, Sept. 28 the launch of a new elections feature for the state allowing voters casting absentee ballots this November to track the status of their absentee ballot. 

The service can be found by clicking here, and at the top of the online absentee ballot request page. 

“This tracker will give voters peace of mind knowing that their ballot is on its way, and later, that their ballot has been safely received and accepted by the municipal clerk,” said Secretary Dunlap.

Voters using the feature are prompted to enter their name, date of birth and municipality of residence to track the status of their absentee ballot request. 

Those planning to vote by absentee ballot and tracking their ballots will be able to see the date their absentee request was received, and whether it was accepted or rejected. 

If the request is accepted, they will then be able to see the date the ballot was delivered and when the ballot was received by election officials. 

Finally, voters will be able to see if their ballot was accepted or rejected by officials. 

Voters can request an absentee ballot via the online service from now until Thursday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

All ballots must be in the hands of the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.

For more information on voting by absentee ballot, click here for a guide produced by the Maine Secretary of State.

Alternatively, an absentee voting guide has been produced by the Penobscot Bay Pilot, Boothbay Register and Wiscasset Newspaper.