As Maine has several methods of voting and with concerns abounding on a national scale, the Boothbay Register has received many questions on when and how citizens can vote absentee for the Nov. 3 election.

Options this year include voting in person, voting early in person, completing an online or mail-in paper application to receive an absentee ballot by mail (to be returned in person or by mail), and requesting an absentee ballot to be completed by a third party before your town clerk, a local notary, or other witnesses.

Maine has made it fairly simple to request absentee ballots — often referred to as “mail-in” ballots — online or to print off a ballot application to return to your town clerk. No application is necessary for registered voters if voting early and in person; the process involves requesting and filling out a ballot at town hall before the clerk on or before the Thursday prior to Election Day.

Towns may begin fielding absentee ballot applications three months before Election Day and ballots will be available no later than 30 days before the Nov. 3 election. All ballots are due to the town clerk by 8 p.m. Nov. 3 when polls close.

All towns and cities throughout Lincoln, Waldo and Knox counties accommodate their citizens with an over-the-phone application. Applications can also be picked up at your town or city hall if walk-ins or scheduled appointments are allowed. Alna, Edgecomb and Southport are fielding day-to-day business by telephone only.

All town offices observe health and safety guidelines for COVID-19, but current protocol varies from town to town. Towns with smaller offices may only allow one or two members of the public in at a time whereas towns with larger offices are allowing up to six. 

If you are uncertain how to proceed, call your town clerk with any questions. Below find town clerks, office locations, contact information, office hours and business protocol.

Lincoln County

Knox County

Waldo County