Voter Information
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government." ~ Thomas Jefferson
Maine Secretary of State website
How do I register to vote?
The State of Maine allows residents to register to vote anytime, including the day of the election. Residents of Cape Elizabeth may register to vote at the Town Clerk/Tax Office at Town Hall, or at the Cape Elizabeth High School gymnasium the day of the election. Proof of residency and proof of identity is required, e.g. driver's license indicating Cape Elizabeth address.
Where do I vote?
All residents of Cape Elizabeth vote at the Cape Elizabeth High School gymnasium. The polls are open at 7:00AM and close at 8:00PM.
When are elections scheduled?
The municipal election is held the first Tuesday in May. The State of Maine general and referendum elections and Cape Elizabeth municipal elections are held on Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Town Council and School Board members are elected for three-year terms. The terms are staggered so that 2 or 3 seats become available each year. The primary election is held on the 2nd Tuesday of June of each general election year.
I will be out-of-town on Election Day, how do I vote?
If you are unable to vote at the polls on Election Day, you may obtain an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk/Tax Office 30 days prior to the election. The absentee ballot may be voted at Town Hall or mailed/delivered to the voter.
ABSENTEE VOTING GUIDE FOR REQUESTING & RECEIVING ABSENTEE BALLOTS
- Voting at Town Hall
A voter may cast his/her ballot at Town Hall during normal working hours (Monday 7:30-5, Tuesday - Friday 7:30-4).
Absentee ballots are available approximately 30 days prior to the election. No application is needed. The ballot is witnessed by the clerk, deputy or assistant.
Note: If the voter requests to take the absentee ballot, the voter may do so after completing an application. The voter returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk.
- Telephone Request
A voter may request a ballot by telephone. The clerk completes an application. The clerk verifies the voter's identity by confirming the voter's residence and date of birth.
The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the request.
No witnesses are needed, unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and 1 other person signs as witness.
The voter returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk.
- Written Request by the Voter (Received by Mail, by Fax or In Person)
A voter may request a ballot by completing an application or written request.
The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the request, or gives the ballot to the voter, to take with the voter.
No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and 1 other person signs as witness.
The voter returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk.
- Written Request by the Voter's Immediate Family Member (Received by Mail, by Fax or In Person)
An immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sister, brother, stepparent, stepchild, stepsister, stepbrother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, guardian or former guardian(relationship must be indicated on the application) of the voter may request a ballot on behalf of the voter. An application or written request must be completed by the immediate family member.
The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the request, or releases the ballot to the immediate family member.
No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and 1 other person signs as witness.
The voter or immediate family member returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk. Immediate family member request is not considered a 3rd person ballot.
If the ballot is returned by another immediate family member, the other immediate family member must also sign the application or written request indicating they returned the ballot. The family member must state his/her relationship to the voter.
- Written Request by the Voter - 3rd Person Designated (Received by Mail, by Fax, or In Person)
A voter only may request a ballot to be delivered by a 3rd person. The voter must request a 3rd person ballot, by completing an application or written request.
A 3rd person can not be a candidate or a member of a candidate's immediate family.
The clerk releases the ballot to the 3rd person only named in the request.
Ballot must be witnessed by a notary public, a municipal clerk, a clerk of courts, or 2 other individuals. If assisted, the aide and 1 other person signs as witness.
The 3rd person returns the ballot in person to the clerk. The voter may return the ballot in person, however witnesses are still required if a 3rd person handles the ballot going out or coming back.
A 3rd person may have up to 5 absentee ballots for a municipality at one time.