Secretary of State urges Mainers to register to vote

    AUGUSTA — According to U.S. Census data, three out of every 10 eligible U.S. voters went unregistered for the November 2012 elections.
    However, that was not the case in Maine.

    “We’re fortunate to lead the nation in the percentage of eligible citizens who are registered to vote in our elections,” said Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap. “But, we can always do better. Our goal is that every eligible citizen registers and participates in our elections.”
    In Maine, eligible voters can register in person at their town office or city hall up to and including Election Day. The deadline to register by mail or through a voter registration drive is the close of business on the 21st day before the election. That date is Tuesday, Oct. 14, for the general and referendum election.
    The registration card must be received by the municipality on or before Oct. 14 (by mail or third person).
    Dunlap is working with Maine’s local election administrators to raise awareness of registration deadlines and requirements for the Nov. 4 statewide referendum election, as well as promoting state resources to help with the registration process.
    “Now is the time to get registered to vote,” said Dunlap, who is currently serving on the NASS Executive Board as the eastern region vice president and co-chair of the Committee on State Heritage. “It’s a quick, simple process and will ensure that you are on the voter list in your town, should you wish to cast an absentee ballot this November.”
    For more information on voter registration in Maine, see the state of Maine Voter Guide at: www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voterguide.html.