Voting & Elections

Election Day Setup

Voter Information

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State of Maine: Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions: Upcoming Election & Voting Information

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Descriptions of Elections

Description of the State Primary Election

Primary Elections determine each qualified party’s nomination of candidates for federal offices and State and County offices.  Party candidates who are elected at the Primary qualify to appear on the November General Election ballot.
 

Description of the General Election

The General Election is held nationally on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November.  In 2023, Maine voters will vote on 8 referendum questions.  

Description of the Referendum Election

Referendum Elections are held to provide Maine's citizens an opportunity to vote on People's Veto Referenda, Direct Initiatives of Legislation (i.e. Citizen Initiatives), Bond Issues, other referenda proposed by the Legislature, and Constitutional Amendments.  Referendum elections are an important part of the heritage of public participation in Maine.

Maine Political Parties

Maine currently has three qualified parties: Democratic, Green Independent and Republican that may participate in primary elections. (Note: although some unenrolled candidates choose to designate themselves as “Independent,” there is no “Independent” party in Maine.) 

Ranked-choice Voting (RCV)

Ranked-choice voting will be used in the 2024 State Primary and General elections. Visit our RCV Resources page for more information about ranked-choice voting, including Frequently Asked Questions and sample ballots.

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Election Results