State of Maine Primary, Annual Town Election & Referendum & MSAD #35 Budget Validation Referendum
When: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Opening Ceremonies @ 7:30am
Polls Open from 8:00am to 8:00pm
Where: Marshwood Middle School Gymnasium, 626 Harold L. Dow Highway *Please use Depot Road entrance / exit. There will be "Vote Here" signage at the polling entrance area.
All Election Material such as State Notice of Election, Town Warrant, Proposed Ordinance & Charter Amendment material, SAD#35 Warrant, Sample Ballots etc...will be posted here as they become available
*NEW Semi-Open Primary in Maine
Effective January 1, 2024, Maine transitioned from a closed primary system to a semi-open primary.
Unenrolled voters are now able to participate in primaries including the June 11, 2024 State Primary.
1. Unenrolled Voters - Voters who are not enrolled in a party may choose to vote one party ballot (Democratic or Republican for March).
2. Voters enrolled in a party - may only vote in that party’s primary.
The Democratic, Green Independent, and Republican parties are the only parties that will hold primaries on June 11th.
The Libertarian and No Labels parties did not choose to hold primaries.
The chart below illustrates the ballot options for the Presidential Primary based on voter enrollment:
Enrollment Ballot Options
Unenrolled May select a Democratic or Republican ballot
Democratic Must receive Democratic ballot
Green Independent Must receive Green Independent ballot
Libertarian No ballot selection - Party not participating
No Labels No ballot selection - Party not participating
Republican Must receive Republican Ballot
Absentee Voting and How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Casting an absentee ballot is convenient and secure.
Absentee ballots requests can be filed with the Town Clerk 90-days prior to the election.
Ballots become available and requests will be fulfilled 30-days prior to the election.
Eliot voters wishing to obtain an absentee ballot and vote from home can order their ballots by one of three options:
1. Order electronically through the Maine Online Absentee Ballot Request Service, this service is available 90-days prior to election day which will be March 14, 2024.
2. By completing and signing an absentee ballot application. Voters are encouraged to mail it or deliver it directly to the Town Clerk's Office, 1333 State Road, Eliot, ME 03903. The application can be delivered directly to staff in the Town Clerk's Office during our posted hours or by dropping it in the secure drop box located on the front left corner of the building.
3. Call the Town Clerk's Office at 207-439-1817 to request an absentee ballot. Please note: Each voter must speak to a staff member to request their ballot for voter verification.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot by telephone, or by written request is Thursday, June 6th, the Town Clerk's Office will be holding extended hours for absentee voting and voter registration on June 6th between 5pm and 7pm.
Please consider requesting and returning your ballots early!
Returning Your Voted Ballot
There are a few ways you are able to return your ballot:
1. By Mail: Please return your ballot early enough to allow for postal mail delivery time. We are encouraging voters to return their ballots as soon as possible to assist us with early processing.
2. Drop Box: The official drop box located at the front left corner of the Town Office will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is secure, locked and constantly monitored by a security camera.
3. In Person: The Town Clerk's Office is open Monday - Thursday, 8:30am to 3:30pm, Closed on Friday.
Absentee Voting at the Town Office
You can vote in the office anytime during normal business hours, we will access the need for any extended or weekend hours and update with a schedule once determined.
Voter Registration
Residents are encouraged to update their voter registration information or register to vote prior to Election Day to help reduce lines. For more information: Maine.gov - Voter Registration
Maine Political Parties
Maine currently has five qualified parties: Democratic, Green Independent, Libertarian, No Labels and Republican that may participate in primary elections. (Note: although some unenrolled candidates choose to designate themselves as "Independent," there is no "Independent" party in Maine.)