Maine Sees Surge in Voter Registrations and Absentee Ballot Requests Ahead of November Election
Maine has experienced a significant surge in voter registrations and absentee ballot requests in the weeks leading up to the November election. According to the secretary of state’s office, more than 73,000 people have already requested absentee ballots, with six weeks still remaining before Election Day.
In a two-week span this month, over 5,400 people registered to vote online, a significant increase from previous weeks. This surge in registrations followed Vice President Kamala Harris taking over the Democratic ticket for president, as well as a debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump and Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris.
National Voter Registration Day on September 17 also played a role in the increased registrations, with 2,455 Mainers using online voter registration on that day alone.
While the secretary of state’s office does not track new voter registrations by party or demographics, it is clear that the stakes in this year’s presidential election are motivating people to get involved. At least some of the new registrations are from individuals who recently moved to Maine.
Absentee ballots have been available for request since mid-August, with 73,169 ballots requested so far. However, this number is lower than the amount requested at the same point in the 2020 presidential election, when a record number of people voted absentee due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the presidential election, Maine voters will be weighing in on five referendums, including three bond questions, races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, state legislative races, and local referendums.
Overall, Maine has about 955,285 active registered voters, with 36% being Democrats, 30% Republicans, and 29% unenrolled. As the November election approaches, the state is gearing up for high voter turnout and active participation in the democratic process.
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