Elections in Maine - 2026

Maine voters will choose candidates for state and federal offices in 2026. This page provides key voting information and an overview of the major races on the ballot, followed by links to learn more about the candidates.

How to Vote in 2026

June Primary Election

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Maine’s primary election determines which candidates will appear on the general election ballot. Unenrolled residents of Maine may not vote in the primaries - they must declare a party first.

• Vote by mail (absentee): Absentee ballots are available about 30 days before the election.

• Vote early in person: Vote absentee at your municipal clerk’s office during regular business hours.

• Vote on Election Day: Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Same-day registration: Available at the polls on Election Day.

November General Election

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

The general election determines who will hold office.

• Vote by mail (absentee): Absentee ballots are available about 30 days before the election.

• Vote early in person: Vote absentee at your municipal clerk’s office in the weeks leading up to Election Day.

• Vote on Election Day: Polls are open statewide on November 3.

• Same-day registration: Available at the polls on Election Day.

For official deadlines, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests, contact your municipal clerk or visit the Maine Secretary of State’s elections website.

About This Page

We’ve organized this page to make it easy to explore the 2026 election race in Maine. Start by reviewing key voting information above. Below, each office includes a brief overview and a link to view candidates for each office.

Statewide & Federal Offices

Governor of Maine

Governor of Maine — Race Overview

The Governor of Maine is the state’s chief executive, responsible for overseeing state agencies, proposing the state budget, and signing or vetoing legislation passed by the Maine Legislature.

• Election cycle: The governor is elected every four years by statewide popular vote.

• Term limits: A governor may serve no more than two consecutive terms, but may run again after sitting out a term.

• Current incumbent: Janet Mills (Democrat), first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

• 2026 race note: Because the incumbent is term-limited, this is an open-seat election, meaning there is no sitting governor on the ballot.

Candidates from multiple parties may appear on the ballot, along with any qualified independent candidates. Voters will choose one candidate to serve a four-year term beginning in January following the election.

👉 View candidates for Governor

United States Senate (Maine) — Race Overview

Members of the United States Senate represent their state in the federal government, serving in Congress to propose and vote on federal legislation, approve presidential appointments, and ratify treaties.

• Election cycle: Senators are elected every six years by statewide popular vote

• Term limits:No term limits

• Number of seats: Maine has two U.S. Senate seats, with one seat up for election at a time

• Current incumbent (seat up for election): Susan Collins (Republican), first elected in 1996

• 2026 race note: This is a regularly scheduled election for one of Maine’s two Senate seats

The candidate elected will serve a six-year term beginning in January following the election.

United States Senate (Maine)

United States House of Representatives (Maine)

👉 View candidates for US Senate

United States House of Representatives (Maine) — Race Overview

Members of the United States House of Representatives represent their congressional districts in the federal government, serving in Congress to introduce legislation, vote on federal laws, and advocate for the needs of their constituents.

• Election cycle: Representatives are elected every two years by popular vote within their congressional district

• Term limits: No term limits

• Number of seats: Maine has two U.S. House seats, one for each congressional district

Current incumbents:

• District 1: Chellie Pingree (Democrat), first elected in 2008

• District 2: Jared Golden (Democrat), first elected in 2018

• 2026 race note: Both of Maine’s U.S. House seats are regularly scheduled for election in 2026

The candidates elected will serve two-year terms beginning in January following the election.

👉 View candidates for US House of Reps

State Legislature

Maine State Senate

Maine State Senate — Race Overview (click for more details)

The Maine State Senate is the upper chamber of the Maine Legislature. State senators propose and vote on state laws and work with the governor on the state budget and public policy.

• Election cycle: Elected every two years

• Term limits: Limited to four consecutive two-year terms (eight years), with the ability to run again after a break

• Number of districts:35 state senate districts, each representing approximately equal population

• 2026 race note: All state senate seats are up for election

District boundaries may change following decennial redistricting, which can affect district numbering and geographic coverage.

👉 View candidates for State Senate

Maine State House of Representatives

Maine State House of Representatives — Race Overview (click for more details)

The Maine State House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Maine Legislature. Representatives introduce legislation, serve on committees, and represent their districts on state policy matters.

• Election cycle: Elected every two years

• Term limits: Limited to four consecutive two-year terms (eight years), with the ability to run again after a break

• Number of districts:151 state house districts

• 2026 race note: All state house seats are up for election

As with the State Senate, district boundaries may change due to redistricting, which can affect which candidates appear on a given district’s ballot.

👉 View candidates for State House

Sources & Neutrality Statement

Information on this page is drawn from candidate websites, public records, and official election sources.
Candidate listings are presented in a consistent format for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement.