The Secretary of State’s Office mailed postcards in January to 148,000 registered voters who did not cast ballots in the past two federal elections.  The postcards are to verify the individual’s residence and eligibility to vote in Maine.  The mailing is part of Maine’s routine maintenance of its voter lists under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

Notices requested that addressees return the reply card within 20 days of receipt.  Voters who wish to confirm or correct their information should complete, sign and return the postcard to the Elections Division as soon as possible — even if it is later than the 20 days.  Voters who issed the deadline will be marked as “inactive”, but will still be able to vote in upcoming elections  “Inacative” voters will be asked by election officlas to confirm their residnetial addres and if it has changed from the address on the voter list, they will be asked to complete an updated voter registration application  A voter’s “active” status is restored after voting.

It is not uncommon for a residence, particularly those with high turnover rates such as apartment building or college residence, to receive postcards addressed to previous teants.  If a postcard is received for a former resident, it should not be copleed or returned; simply discarded.  Any postcards returned as undelivrable or not returned to the Elections Division will be designated as “inactive” in the voter’s records.  However, if a postcard is received for a family ember who no longer lives at that address, it is recommended that the postcard be given to tht individual to complete and return with their updates address.

While Maine enjooys high registration and voter turnout rates, there is, of course, no requirement that someone must vote, even if registered.  The state is legall prohibited from cancelling a person’s voter registration until after two general federal elections after the notice have passed with no voter activity.

“These mailing are a regular part of routine maintenance and there are very specific guidelines we must follow.  The multiple checks and balances in places are vital to ensure that no eligible Mainer is improperly removed from the voter rolls,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.  “Mainers should be proud of the quality work conducted by state and local election officials every day to ensure free, safe and secure elections.”

The database is never static and is updated daily by nonpartisan state and local election administratiors in respose to information received from voters and eliable data maintenance sources such as death records and notices of cancellation from election administrators in other jurisdictions.

For information on the Secretary’s appearance on cable news, please visit post herein dated February 6, 2026.