Complete Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

Maine allows you to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) for registration, ballot request, and voting in primary and general elections for Federal, State, and county offices. Feel free to use the FWAB to vote anytime before an election. You may not need to fill out this entire form. Check out the instructions below to see what information your State requires.

Open Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

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What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks of the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation are required:

Block 1.a: Select the category that describes you.

Block 1.b: Maine does allow you to use this form for registration.

Block 2.a: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 2.e: Date of Birth

Blocks 2.f and 2.g: Enter your Maine Driver's License number. If you do not have a Maine Driver’s License, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not possess either of these identification numbers, write “none” and the State shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes.

Blocks 2.h through 2.j: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required.

Block 3.a through 3.e: Complete street address of your Maine voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 6. This address must be within the municipality where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 4.a: Enter your current mailing address.

Block 5: If you are using this form to register and wish to vote in primary elections, you must enter your political party affiliation. If you are currently registered and want to change your political party affiliation and have been enrolled in the political party for at least three months, the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) must be received by your local election official no later than 15 days before the election. If you are currently registered and have previously declined to indicate a political party and you now want to vote in a primary election, you must submit the FPCA to the local election official any time before the election.

Block 6: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application.

Block 7: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and seal.

Envelope Templates

Open Security Envelope Template

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage-paid envelope may be used in the U.S. postal system which includes: all U.S. Military Post Offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. Embassies/Consulates

Mail

If you choose to mail your back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, you must send it to:

Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions
Elections Division
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Overseas uniformed service members and their family members with access to Military Postal Service, may use the "Prepaid Expedited Mail - Label 11-DOD." This label is available at APO/FPO locations and can only be used for the general election. It provides expedited mail service up to seven days prior to the election. You can return your ballot with this label attached at any MPO/FPO, American embassy, or consulate. A portion of the label is retained by you for tracking your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service.

Fax

In certain emergency or combat situations, Maine may allow you to return the voted ballot by fax. If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to 207-287-5874 or toll free within the United States at 877-443-1302. You may also use our toll-free fax service You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703)-693-5527
DSN 223-5527

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers

Open Fax Coversheet

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• Want to submit your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot by fax? In certain emergency or combat situations, Maine may allow you to return the voted ballot by fax. Remember that by faxing your voted ballot you are waiving your right to secrecy.
• If using our Electronic Transmission Service you must use the Fax Coversheet.
• If you receive your State absentee ballot after submitting your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, fill it out and return it. The State absentee ballot will be counted instead of the back-up ballot if it's received in time.