[PORTLAND, ME] – The League of Women Voters of Maine deployed nonpartisan volunteer election observers to provide real time reports from various polling locations in towns around the state, representing all 16 counties and approximately 36% of Maine’s total population. This included an organized effort of more than 108 volunteers.
This preliminary data, complete as of 8:30 PM, includes information on the rate at which voters are arriving to vote, the time voters waited in line to cast their ballots, and whether any irregularities were observed at the polls. The bedrock of our democracy is voter confidence in free and fair elections. In Maine, there are many laws and protocols in place to ensure voters are free from intimidation, that our elections are secure, and that the results are accurate.
“Our nonpartisan election observers report positive voting experiences and professional, well-run election administration by Maine people serving as municipal and town clerks, election wardens, and poll workers,” said Chrissy Hart, Executive Director.
No major disruptions to the election process were observed across the state. Of the all polling locations that were monitored by the League on Election Day, observers noted that there were about 11 locations with a greater than 10 minute wait to vote and several towns had a wait time around 45 minutes, including Camden, Falmouth, multiple polling locations in Portland, Poland, Waterboro, and Yarmouth. Long lines at polling locations are usually caused by voters inserting their ballots into the scanners one-by-one, which can take time.
Observers noted and notified election wardens of multiple electioneering attempts by candidates at several polling locations. There was one incident of voter intimidation in Augusta where agitators spoke aggressively to voters as they entered the polling place. The election warden was promptly notified, and the agitators were asked to leave.
Overall, voting in Maine is usually a small town affair. People are excited to cast their ballots, first time voters are cheered on, and poll workers are accommodating and ready to assist. Voting in Maine is a community activity.
Confusion About Semi-Open Primaries
Maine has utilized a semi-open primary system since March 2024, and the June 9 primary was the first gubernatorial primary to be semi-open. Observers filed multiple reports of confused voters who were unsure of how to participate and the difference between an “independent” and “unenrolled” voter.
This confusion stems from the Green Independent party, which is a qualified political party in Maine. Some voters may think of themselves as “Independent,” i.e. unenrolled, but have registered with the Green Independent party without realizing the affiliation. In most cases, poll workers explained to voters how the new semi-open primary system works to prevent future confusion. “We know that as more voters have time to utilize and adjust to the new primary system, along with the use of ranked-choice voting, they will find it an accessible and meaningful way to cast their ballot,” said Hart.
Town Clerks
Behind the scenes, municipal clerks and their staff have been working long, stressful hours for months to ensure that Maine’s elections remain secure, accessible, and safe. One observer reported that: “Very well run, personable volunteers and warden that all worked together. Voters were positive and thanked all who were helping today.”
Because the work of election administrators is largely invisible, it also goes underappreciated. Partisan campaigns of misinformation have unfairly and inaccurately targeted these dedicated nonpartisan officials. The League thanks Town Clerks and the Secretary of State’s office for their work in ensuring that our elections are transparent and fair.