Poll results on Maine ballot questions show close contests on Nov. 4

AUGUSTA — Poll results released Thursday show a closely divided electorate on two hot-button questions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Results show a virtual tie on Question 1, which proposes several changes to absentee voting and a new photo ID requirement at the polls. The survey shows 48% voting yes, 49% voting no and 3% undecided, according to the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

On Question 2, the “red flag” law that would allow family members to directly petition a court to remove firearms from those considered dangerous, the poll shows 38% voting yes, 40% voting no and 22% not sure.

The Pine Tree State Poll has a 3-percentage point margin of error.

The two citizen initiatives are the only statewide issues on the ballot this fall. Several cities and towns have municipal elections and issues on local ballots.

Both questions show a clear partisan breakdown, with 96% of Republicans saying they support Question 1 and 92% of Democrats opposing it. Among independents, 54% say they plan to vote no on Question 1, according to poll conducted Oct. 16-21.

When it comes to Question 2, 63% of Democrats say they plan to vote yes, while 74% of Republicans say they plan to vote no. The polls shows 44% of independents support the measure, 31% oppose it and 24% are undecided.

The large percentage of voters who say they are unsure leaves a lot of room for both campaigns to pick up voters in the final days.

Absentee voting is underway across Maine and will continue until Oct. 30. Polls will be open on Election Day, Nov. 4, until 8 p.m.