[PORTLAND, ME] – The League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) reported that through 8:00 PM on Election Day, polling across the state has successfully concluded.
Executive Director Anna Kellar said, “Reports from our election observers across the state indicate that Maine voters experienced a free, safe, and accessible election.”
For the fifth time, LWVME deployed Maine volunteer election observers to provide real time reports from about 63 polling locations around the state. This included an organized effort of more than 40 volunteers . This preliminary data, complete as of 8:00 PM on Election Day, includes information on the rate at which voters are arriving to vote, the time voters waited in line to cast their ballots, COVID precautions, and whether any irregularities were observed at the polls. Updates were also posted throughout the day on Twitter.
No major disruptions to the election process were observed across the state. Of the 63 polling locations that were monitored by the League on Election Day, observers noted that there were only 8 locations with a greater than 10 minute wait to vote.
Observers reported a generally safe voting experience, despite the absence of statewide COVID protocols. Many polling places had some forms of COVID precaution in place, including poll workers wearing masks, the use of plexiglass barriers, and social distancing in any wait lines.
Also of note was an especially high number of petition signature gatherers. League observers reported signature gatherers present for at least 7 state and local issues at polling places across the state. The League is following the progress of these issues to learn how they may appear on Maine ballots in the future.
“We are pleased that Maine voters have made their voices heard both on Election Day and via absentee voting,” Kellar added. “This successful election sets a strong foundation for next year’s elections.”
LWVME has worked with Mainers for Modern Elections throughout 2020 and 2021 to ensure that the pandemic does not depress voter turnout, and that election officials make reasonable accommodations to ensure a safe and inclusive process for all voters.