No, I'm not going to suggest who you should vote for. The ACLU of MAINE is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse candidates. What we do endorse, though, is the fullest possible exercise of the right to vote. Luckily, here in Maine, we have a Constitution and statutes that strongly protect our right to vote. Here are some of the highlights:
- Same day registration. It is a good idea to register to vote early, but if you don't get the chance, you will be allowed to register and vote on election day.
- No voter ID required. If you are already registered, you simply go to your polling place and give your name to the official to receive your ballot. If you are not yet registered, you may be asked to prove that you are in the right place (with a driver license, a utility bill, a bank statement, or even a sworn statement signed under oath at the polling place). Having ID with you is a good idea, but we know that people who are low-income or elderly are more likely not to have ID with them. In Maine, they must still be allowed to vote.
- Every vote gets counted. If there is a dispute about someone's eligibility to register or to vote, that person still gets to exercise the right to vote. That person's ballot may be marked as a "challenged ballot" and, in the even of a recount, the challenge may be investigated. But challenged or not, every vote gets counted.
- Early voting. In Maine, you can vote early and you do not need a reason. I never know what could come up on Election Day, so I always try to vote early.
- Late voting. Do yourself a favor and don't wait until the last minute to vote. But, if you can't make it to the polls until just before they close, you will still be allowed to vote. Polls in Maine close at 8:00pm, but everyone who is in line at 8:00pm gets to vote.
For more information about Maine election law, check out the Secretary of State's
website . If you have any problems on Election Day, feel free to
contact the ACLU of MAINE . Good luck exercising your constitutional right to vote.