Connect with us

Maine

How do I vote in Maine’s presidential primary on Super Tuesday, March 5, by absentee ballot?

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.



Source link

Advertisement

Maine

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

Published

on

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition


For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.

That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.

So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.

It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.

Advertisement

But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.

Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine

Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.

Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.

Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.

There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.

Advertisement

Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter

While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.

Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.

All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.

This list was updated in March of 2026

Advertisement

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine

Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!

Gallery Credit: Getty Images





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

on

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money


BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

Advertisement

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending