Maine sees surge in voter registrations and absentee ballot requests
Maine has experienced a significant surge in voter registrations and absentee ballot requests ahead of the November election, with over 73,000 people requesting absentee ballots so far. The secretary of state’s office reported that more than 5,400 people registered to vote online in two consecutive weeks this month, a substantial increase from previous weeks.
The surge in registrations coincided with the recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, as well as pop star Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, which reportedly prompted hundreds of thousands of people around the country to register to vote online. National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17 also played a role in the increase in registrations.
While the total number of new registrations, including those done on paper forms, was not available, the state has seen a steady increase in new registrations compared to previous years. Maine has a total of about 955,285 active registered voters, with Democrats making up 36%, Republicans 30%, and 29% unenrolled voters.
Though the number of absentee ballot requests so far is lower compared to the 2020 presidential election, it is expected to surpass the number of absentee ballots cast in the 2018 gubernatorial election. In addition to the presidential election, Maine voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on five referendums, races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, state legislative races, and local referendums.
As the election approaches, the surge in voter registrations and absentee ballot requests in Maine indicates a high level of engagement and enthusiasm among voters.
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