Funded in part by the Apples and Oranges Foundation and Arnold Ventures.
Produced in collaboration with the Investigative Reporting Workshop.
This fall, Maine voters will choose a new governor for the first time in eight years, and could help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and early voting starts on Monday, Oct. 5. The Maine Monitor voter guide is here as a resource for Mainers as they make decisions and cast their ballots in these closely watched races.
An unprecedented lead-up to the Senate race. Democratic replacement nominee Troy Jackson has been playing catch up since his late entry into the race after Graham Platner’s withdrawal. It’s now an all-Aroostook County matchup between Jackson and Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in a race with significant national attention and money, one that could ultimately determine control of the U.S. Senate.
Another three-way race for governor. Maine is no stranger to a governor’s race with three candidates, and that familiar dynamic has returned this year with Republican Bobby Charles, Democrat Hannah Pingree and independent Rick Bennett vying to replace term-limited Gov. Janet Mills.
The CD 2 race could be closer than first thought. With incumbent Democratic Rep. Jared Golden departing and former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in the mix to replace him, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District has long looked like a likely pickup for Republicans as they seek to maintain power in the U.S. House of Representatives. But some recent polling shows signs that Democrat Matt Dunlap, the current State Auditor, could be gaining ground in the battleground district.
A rematch in CD 1. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree has repeatedly cruised to re-election, including against this year’s Republican challenger. This is the second straight election cycle that Pingree and Republican challenger Ron Russell are squaring off in Maine’s southern and more liberal congressional district.
Our 2026 voter guide breaks down these big races, dives into who’s funding them, details who’s running for State House and county government seats, answers common questions about voting in Maine and more. As always, let us know if there’s something else you’d like to see us dig into.
Key Dates
Early in-person absentee voting begins on Oct. 5 at your municipal clerk’s office and continues through Oct. 29.
Last day to register to vote by mail or online.
Last recommended day to mail your mail-in/absentee ballot via USPS. If you have not mailed your ballot by this time, the Secretary of State recommends that you deliver it to your town office or a ballot drop box. If you cannot deliver your ballot, you can vote in person at your municipal office through Oct. 29 or vote in person at the polls on Election Day.
Last day to request a mail-in/absentee ballot. Last day to cast an absentee ballot in-person at your municipal clerk’s office. All mail-in/absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Election Day. You can register in-person at your city or town office, or at your polling place when you vote. Polls close at 8 p.m.; anyone in line by 8 p.m. can vote.
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