Maine
How do I vote in Maine’s presidential primary on Super Tuesday, March 5, by absentee ballot?
AUGUSTA – Maine voters who want an absentee ballot before the presidential primary on March 5 can request one from the state’s election board until February 29. Ballots must be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Although towns and villages may process absentee ballots before Election Day, the ballots are not counted until the polls are closed, so all ballots are tallied at the same time.
Read on for everything you need to know about absentee voting in Maine
Who qualifies for an absentee ballot?
Any registered Maine voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person. You don’t need a specific reason to receive an absentee ballot.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
There are several ways for a registered voter to request an absentee ballot in Maine.
You can request your ballot electronically using Maine’s Secretary of State’s online absentee ballot request service.
You can also contact the municipal clerk in the town or city where you are registered to request an absentee ballot. If making a telephone request for your ballot, it will be mailed to the address you provide to the clerk.
Voters may also make a written request by completing an absentee ballot application. You can obtain a ballot for an immediate family member in this way, as well.
If you are a uniformed service or overseas voter, you must request an absentee ballot directly from the Secretary of State, Division of Elections. You can choose whether your ballot will be sent to you by mail or received electronically.
How do I fill out and return my absentee ballot?
Once you receive your absentee ballot, you may fill it out by marking the oval next to your choice. Instructions are printed on each ballot.
You must return the ballot to the municipal clerk by mail or in person. Many towns and cities also provide the option of returning an absentee ballot to a secured drop box.
If you are a uniformed service or overseas voter, you must deliver the ballot to the Secretary of State, Division of Elections.
What are the deadlines?
Absentee ballot applications are available until the third business day before the election. or 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the election: Feb. 29.
To be counted, absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You may vote absentee in person or return your ballot at the clerk’s office as soon as absentee ballots are available, at least 30 days before the election.
Suppose you plan to receive or return your absentee ballot by mail? In that case, the U.S. Postal Service advises that you request your ballot no later than 15 days before Election Day and to return it no later than seven days before Election Day.
More: Super Tuesday When is Super Tuesday? Here’s what to know about the day that could shape the 2024 election
What if I have a disability?
For voters with disabilities who prefer to vote absentee, Maine offers an accessible electronic ballot that can be completed at home using screenreader technology. It is intended for voters with print disabilities that prevent them from independently marking a paper ballot.
You can request an accessible ballot online here. To complete the application, you must self-certify that you have a disability that prevents you from completing a paper ballot independently. Once processed, the Elections Division will send you an email where you can access your ballot. More information on the steps needed to complete your absentee-accessible ballot is available here.
New this year is the option for voters to apply for ongoing absentee voter status if they are at least 65 by the next election or self-identify as having a disability. Qualifying voters will automatically receive an absentee ballot for each election where the voter is eligible to vote rather than needing to submit a request for each election. This application is available here and must be returned completed to their municipal clerk.
Can I change my mind and vote in person?
Yes, you can vote in person even if you requested an absentee ballot in Maine.
Once you vote by absentee ballot, your municipal clerk will mark your name in the voter system as having already voted absentee. Therefore, you will not be eligible to receive a ballot if you show up to vote in person after already voting via absentee ballot.
However, if you requested an absentee ballot but did not return it, your name will not be marked, and you will be allowed to vote in person.
Can I track my absentee ballot?
You can track the progress of your absentee ballot here.
This system will show the date that the municipal clerk accepted your absentee ballot, the date your clerk mailed your ballot to you, and the date your ballot is received. The tracker is not updated instantaneously. This tracking system will show you the status of your ballot regardless of how you requested it.
You can contact your municipal clerk directly if you have questions or concerns about tracking your ballot.
Where can I find more information?
Information, frequently asked questions, and contacts can be found here on Maine’s Secretary of State website.
Maine
This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak
Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?
A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.
This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.
Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine
According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.
Wondering what’s in the burrito?
The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”
Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.
The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.
As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.
Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.
Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant
First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.
Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.
A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.
READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew
And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.
So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.
You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods
Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
Maine
How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.
Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.
“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.
For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.
Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”
If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.
You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.
You can also call 941-2800.
Copyright 2026 WABI. All rights reserved.
Maine
Arizona Sen. Gallego endorses Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.
Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”
“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.
Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.
READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate
Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.
Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.
“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.
Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
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