Maine has its statewide primary election on Tuesday, June 12. Here you’ll find resources for voters, a quick overview of politics in the state, plus a few key races with the names and websites for Democratic candidates. Use this information to make your own voting plan and/or share with friends in the state!
Maine Voter Resources
Registration deadline: none found
Confirm your voter registration: https://iwillvote.com/
Info for overseas/military voters here
Early voting: May 12 – June 11
Vote by mail: June 7 – 12 Request your absentee ballot here
Find your polling place here
Check ID requirements here
Maine Politics Quick Facts
– 1 Senator is up for re-election in 2018
– Both House Representatives (2) are up for re-election
– Voted +3 for Clinton in 2016
– Current partisan breakdown of the state legislature:
Governor (R)
State Senate 18 (R) – 17 (D)
State House 74 (D) – 70 (R) – 6 (I) – 1 (G)
IMPORTANT FOR MAINE VOTERS: This is the first election where Maine is using a ranked-choice (or instant run-off) ballot. You can read a short explainer here. Maine’s Secretary of State has provided a short animated video and ballot samples to explain how to vote in ranked-choice on Election Day.
Key Races
GOVERNOR
The sitting governor, Paul LePage (R), is prevented by term limits from running for re-election. The Democrats have a large field of candidates running in the primary; Mills and Cote were polling the highest. The Democratic candidates are:
Adam Cote – website
Donna Dion – website
Mark Dion – website
Mark Eves – website
Janet Mills – website
Diane Russell – website
Betsy Sweet – website
U.S. SENATE
Angus King (Independent) is the incumbent, and he is running for re-election. He caucuses with the Senate Democrats. Despite being an Independent, his race is in the Solid Democrat column. You can find his website here and a full list of candidates running for the Senate here.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 2
Cook Political Report has District 2 rated competitive, and is a good opportunity for the Democrats to flip.
District 2 candidates (Democrats)
Jared Golden – website
Craig Olson – website
Lucas St. Clair – website
STATE SENATE
All 35 seats in the Senate are up for re-election this year. Republicans only have a one-seat majority; Democrats can take the Senate by flipping two seats. A list of the districts with re-elections and the candidates running for those seats can be found here.
STATE HOUSE
All 151 seats in the House are up for re-election this year. The Democrats currently have control of the House, but the Republicans can take control if they flip 3 seats. A list of the candidates running for the House can be found here.
NOTE: If you’re unsure which state district you’re in, type in your address at Open States to get that info.
A Final Note
For a more complete list of state races in the primary, visit Ballotpedia: Maine Elections 2018. You can enter your address at 411Vote to see a sample ballot. To learn about events featuring candidates running for office, connect with your local chapter of the Maine Democrats.
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