Early Voting Begins in Maine and Ohio for November Election
Voters in Maine and Ohio have begun early casting of ballots for the November 3 general election amid predictions of high turnout and legal battles over mail-in voting.
Early in-person voting commenced Monday in Maine and Tuesday in Mahoning County, Ohio, as residents prepare for the November 3 general election. In Maine, the election will determine the state's Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and all seats in the state legislature. Key contests include a gubernatorial race between Democrat Hannah Pingree, Republican Bobby Charles, and Independent Rick Bennett, as well as a U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson.
Shenna Bellows, the Maine Secretary of State, confirmed that mail-in voting remains available after the Supreme Court of the United States rejected an effort by the Trump administration to overhaul the system. Registered voters in Maine can vote in person or request no-excuse absentee ballots until October 29, with same-day registration available for eligible residents.
In Ohio, Mahoning County Board of Elections director Tom McCabe predicts voter turnout will exceed 55%, citing competitive races for governor and U.S. senator and a surge in advertising. Ohio voters face a registration deadline of Monday at 9 p.m. and must provide approved photo identification for in-person voting, a requirement that State Issue 3 seeks to add to the Ohio Constitution. All mail-in ballots in Ohio must arrive by 7:30 p.m. on election day to be counted, with the exception of military and overseas voters.
