Absentee Voting Guidelines

Obtaining an Absentee Ballot

The state law permits absentee ballots to be cast at any election by any voter who properly requests a ballot. If a voter is interested in voting in a particular election but is unable to go to the polling place on Election Day, then the voter should obtain an absentee ballot.

• Voting at Town Hall: A voter may vote by absentee ballot in the Town Clerk's Office. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. No application is necessary. The absentee ballot process is witnessed by the clerk, deputy, or assistant clerk.
  • Note: If the voter requests to take the absentee ballot, the voter may do so after completing an application. The voter returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk.
• Telephone Request: A voter may telephone 207-646-9546 and request a ballot be sent by mail. The clerk verifies the voter's identity by confirming the voter's residence and date of birth. Ballots are mailed on a daily basis. No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and one other person signs as witness. The voter returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk.
• Written Request by the Voter (Received by Mail or In Person): A voter may request a ballot by completing an application or providing a written request. The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the request or gives the ballot to the voter to take with the voter. No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and one other person signs as a witness. The voter returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk
• Written Request by the Voter's Immediate Family Member or Domestic Partner (Received by Mail or In Person): An immediate family member or domestic partner (on behalf of the voter) may, in writing, request a ballot be sent by mail or delivered to the voter by that family member or domestic partner. The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the application or releases the ballot to the immediate family member or domestic partner. No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and one other person signs as a witness.
  • If another immediate family member returns the ballot, the other immediate family member must also sign the application or written request indicating they returned the ballot. The family member must state their relationship to the voter.
• Written Request by the Voter, 3rd Person Designated (Received by Mail or In Person): Only a voter may request a ballot to be delivered by a 3rd person. The voter must request a 3rd Person ballot by completing an application or by written request.
  • A 3rd person may not be a candidate, a member of a candidate's immediate family or an agent of a bargaining unit.
  • The clerk releases the ballot only to the 3rd person named in the request.
  • Ballot must be witnessed by a municipal clerk, a notary public, a clerk of courts, or two other individuals. If assisted, the aide and one other person signs as witness.
  • The 3rd person returns the ballot to the clerk. The voter may return the ballot in person; however, witnesses are still required, if a 3rd person handles the ballot going out or coming back.
• Applications for an absentee ballot cannot be accepted by email.
• Absentee ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk's Office prior to the closing of polls on Election Day.