Who'S Voting In Maine, And Why?

Who's Voting In Maine, And Why?

Maine has been known throughout the country for great voter turnout and civic involvement. In past presidential elections Maine has been at the top of the charts for voter turnout, however you may ask yourself, what influences Mainers go to the polls on Election Day, and why do so many people choose not to vote? Many things influence Maine's citizens when it comes to voting, eligibility to vote, knowledge of important issues, age and health, and more.

Who has the right to vote and what rights does a voter have? You must be a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 to vote, you may not vote if you are a convicted felon or a prison inmate. If you are an eligible voter over seas you may vote in form of an absentee ballot. Voter Rights are very important they are:

1. If you are registered to vote in Maine, you can vote.

2. If you are not registered to vote in Maine, you can register on Election Day and you can vote.

3. You cannot be turned away from the polls. You must be allowed to vote a challenged ballot.

4. If you do not have identification, you can vote.

If you are in line at the time the polls close, you can register and vote.

5. If you make a mistake, you can get a replacement ballot.

6. If you are visually impaired, physically disabled, or are unable to read or write, you can be assisted.

7. You may see a sample ballot and receive instructions on voting procedure.

8. You may not be harassed when voting or be influenced on how to vote.

Text from: http://w ww.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/right. htm

Voter Turnout in Maine has been consistent between the high fifties and low seventies in the past 40 years. This past election voter turnout was a low 58%. This number is based on the number of people over the age of 18 in Maine, not eligibility to vote. Maine is one of the few states that allow registration on the day of the vote. Other states that allow registration within the 10 days before the vote include New Hampshire,