Whether we like it or not, the fall political season is upon us. There will be more political ads than we can count between now and Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Maine voters take their voting responsibility seriously, giving Maine the distinction of having one of the highest voting participation rates in our country. We truly live up to our state’s motto, “Dirigo,” or “I lead.” 

However difficult it might be to choose whom to vote for, the first step toward casting your vote begins by registering to vote. Maine voters must be: a United States citizen, an established resident in the town where they intend to vote, and at least 18 years old. People registering for the first time in Maine must provide identity documents that show they have established a voting residence in Maine.

The Maine League of Women Voters website, (https://www.lwvme.org/VoteInMaine), and the Maine Secretary of State website, (https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections), explain where and how to register to vote in Maine. Both websites list acceptable documents, such as a Maine driver’s license or birth certificate, which can be used for proof of identification for voter registration. Other acceptable forms of ID and information about voting for college students are included on the Secretary of State website. 

Maine residents can register to vote in person, by mail or online. You can register in person at your town office any time right up to Election Day. Voters can also register online using the Maine Secretary of State website voter registration form(https://registertovote.sos.maine.gov/). Residents can pick up printed registration forms at their town office or nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office to register by mail. Online and mail registration forms need to be completed at least three weeks before Election Day in order to give town clerks time to process the applications. 

Many Mainers are already registered to vote. However, name or address changes will necessitate an update to your voter registration. This is easily done at a Maine BMV office, online, or in person at your town office. 

Maine leads the nation with our high voter turnout, but that doesn’t happen just by accident. Taking the time to register to vote or update your voter registration before Election Day enables all eligible voters to cast their votes and make their voices heard. 

As always, check out the AARP website for an AARP event near you. I also urge you to visit www.aarp.org/votesME, our voter engagement hub, where you’ll find helpful information about our priority issues as well as upcoming events such as our educational workshops with the Secretary of State’s Office in September and October. 

Joyce Bucciantini is a retired middle school educator. She currently coordinates Delta Kappa Gamma’s Read to Me program, is a tutor with Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, and is an active AARP Maine volunteer. She enjoys her gardens, being outdoors and traveling.aarp.org/me · me@aarp.org · @aarpmaine · 866-554-5380