Those who want to get an early jump on the Nov. 5 election may now be able to vote at their local town hall.
City clerks in Waterville and Gardiner issued alerts this week that they are ready for in-person absentee voters. Scarborough will be set up at the public safety building on U.S. Route 1 on Monday and Portland will be fully set up on Tuesday, according to local officials.
For details on your local town, it’s best to check the municipality’s website before heading out.
Waterville City Clerk Patti Dubois said Friday that in-person absentee voting is a good option for those who want to avoid crowds on Election Day or for those with disabilities who may need individual attention.
“Anyone with mobility issues or any disabilities, we would encourage them to come and vote early,” she said. “There’s really no lines here. You are in and out quickly. You can get that personalized service.”
About 35-40% of voting in Maine will likely be absentee, which can be in person, through the mail or via drop boxes available outside most city and town halls, Dubois said.
She encouraged voters to use the drop boxes, rather than rely on the postal service, to ensure that their ballots arrive on time.
It’s difficult to predict turnout, but Dubois said it’s been busy so far.
Another tip — it’s now possible to check online to see if you are registered, which will help save time on Election Day, she said.
Voters will decide important issues this fall, starting with the race for president. In Maine, they will have five choices: former Republican President Donald Trump; Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris; Green Independent Jill Stein; Justice for All candidate Cornel West and Libertarian Chase Oliver.
Next up is the race for U.S. Senate, where incumbent Sen. Angus King, an independent, is facing three challengers: Republican Demi Kouzounas; Democrat David Costello and independent Jason Cherry.
For those in the 2nd Congressional District, it’s a choice between U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat, and Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault.
In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, faces two challengers: Republican Ronald Russell and independent Ethan Alcorn.
All 186 seats in the Maine Legislature are up for grabs and there are five statewide ballot questions.
Question 1 seeks to restrict contributions to certain types of political action committees. Question 2 is a request to allow the state to borrow $25 million for research and development. Question 3 is a $10 million bond for historic building preservation and Question 4 is a $30 million bond to support trails statewide.
And Question 5 asks voters whether they want to replace the current state flag — the farmer and sailor on a blue background — with an updated version of the pine tree and star flag on a buff background, last used in Maine in 1909.
In addition, local cities and towns will ask voters to decide on borrowing requests and other initiatives.
For those who prefer to go to the polls on Election Day, they will be open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.