Code of Maine Rules
29 - DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
250 - BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
Chapter 525 - RULES FOR ADMINISTERING THE CENTRAL ISSUANCE AND PROCESSING OF UOCAVA ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Section 250-525-2 - Issuing Absentee Ballots

1. Applications. Applications for absentee ballots may be received directly from the voter as provided in 21-A M.R.S.§§753-A and 781-A or they may be forwarded from the municipality of residence after being received from the voter. Either the municipal clerk or the Secretary of State will enter the most recent absentee ballot request date into the Central Voter Registration system and indicate whether the voter designated electronic or mail delivery. If neither is designated, the ballot will be issued by mail provided there is a valid military or overseas mailing address on file.

2. Issuance by Secretary of State. State absentee ballots will be issued by the Secretary of State, in accordance with 21-A M.R.S. §753-B. The Secretary of State shall fulfill all requirements for issuing UOCAVA absentee ballots as provided in 21-A M.R.S. §753-B, except that the Secretary of State staff shall perform the duties required of the municipal clerk.

3. Deadline to issue ballot. The Secretary of State shall issue a state absentee ballot for any primary, general, referendum or special federal election at least 46 days prior to the date of that election to any UOCAVA voter who has a valid absentee ballot request on file with the Secretary of State. After the 46-day deadline, the Secretary of State shall continue to issue absentee ballots upon receipt of any valid request filed with the Secretary of State.

4. List of absentee ballots. The Secretary of State shall create and maintain, in the Central Voter Registration System, an alphabetical list of the UOCAVA voters who requested or were furnished absentee ballots. This list shall meet the requirements of 21-A M.R.S. §753-B, sub-§ 6.