Absentee Ballots: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Maine has hit record levels of people requesting their absentee ballots. I am one of those people. I have been voting this way for years. This year I am swamped on Nov 3rd with the first day of Camp Out Hunger, and it made even more sense. (SIDE NOTE: Check out Camp Out Hunger and how you can help. It is a HUGE food drive that will benefit Central Maine. If the election season has left you drained, make a donation to Camp Out Hunger, it will put a smile on your face. )

There a few things with the absentee ballots to keep in mind, so you have no issues. One of the advantages of voting in person is any problems that can cause your ballot to be questioned are often caught on the spot. 

The biggest thing is…follow the instructions. Duh.

WABI had a story about this recently. I know you need to fill in the little oval carefully, and you have to sign it where it tells you to. That is VERY important to take a few moments before you fill out the ballot to make sure you are 100% clear what needs to be done and how it needs to be done.  

Maine now has a system where we can check on our absentee ballot in its travels. It is straightforward. You put in a few pieces of information you get the information. According to centralmaine.com, Maine is among 44 states that provide this information to absentee voters. The link to request your ballot is here and to check its status is here.

But wait…what if you change your mind and want to vote in person but already requested your ballot? Good question. From a story at centralmaine.com, you can change your mind. First of all, if you have already mailed your ballot in or dropped it off ….it is too late. Your vote has been cast. If you have concerns about IF it will get back to your community in time, don't wait. Once you get the ballot, please fill it out according to the instructions and then mail it in or drop it off. Remember, you can track its travels with the list above.

IF you requested an absentee ballot and have not returned it, you have the option to vote in person still. 

 Go to your local polling place and vote. Officials have said NOT to bring your absentee ballot…as it can create confusion. You can also vote in-person absentee at your city or town hall.  

The bottom line is you can vote…but you cannot change your vote after the fact.

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