Maine voting deadlines for the November 3, 2026 election

Maine voter registration closes Oct 13 for the November 3, 2026 election. Every deadline — registration, mail ballot and early voting — with the official source for each.

Look up your own ballot and polling place →

Every date

Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Thursday, October 29, 2026
Early voting (hours and locations vary by county)

In-person, no-excuse absentee voting at your town or city clerk's office opens October 4, 2026 (30 days before the election). October 4 is a Sunday, so most offices will start on their next open day. In-person absentee voting ends at close of business in your town on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Maine's early voting is in-person absentee voting at the municipal clerk's office. The window is statewide, but office hours vary by town/city.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Voter registration deadline (online and by mail)

Register online by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. After that, register in person at your town or city office (including on Election Day). Mailed (or third-party delivered) registrations must be received by your town or city by close of business Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Thursday, October 29, 2026
Last day to request a mail ballot

Absentee ballot requests must be received by Thursday, October 29, 2026 (3 business days before Election Day), unless special circumstances exist. No reason needed.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Voter registration deadline (in person)

You can register in person at your municipal office up to the close of the polls on Election Day. Maine offers same-day registration: register and vote the same day, including on Election Day, in person at your municipality.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Mail ballot return deadline

Your absentee ballot must be received by your municipal clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day, regardless of postmark.

How voting works in Maine

Elections are run by towns and cities (not counties) in Maine, so clerk office hours differ. Any registered voter may vote absentee ('Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot'). Ballots must arrive by 8 PM Election Day; postmarks do not count. Same-day registration is available in person.

What we could not confirm

We publish a gap rather than a guess. These points were not settled by an official source:

Where these came from

Every date above was read from the Maine election office's own published material, last checked Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Confirm anything you are relying on with your local election authority.

https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/general-election-two-months-away-secretary-states-office-provides-update-maine-election-1

Online: 5 PM on the 21st day before Election Day. (October 13)

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