The Canvass: An Official Double-Check
You might see news channels report that 100% of precincts have reported, but these are still unofficial results. The real work begins with the canvass, a mandatory series of checks to ensure the vote count is accurate. In Maine, municipal clerks are at the heart of this process. For the two days following the election, they meticulously reconcile the number of ballots cast with the number of voters who checked in. They ensure all ballot boxes were properly sealed and review records to resolve any discrepancies. If an election return from a town seems incorrect, the Secretary of State can request a certified copy of the local record to correct the statewide tabulation. This isn't about changing votes; it's about verifying that the count reported on election night
matches the physical ballots and paperwork, forming the foundation of a trustworthy result.
The 'Cure' Process: A Second Chance for Your Ballot
What happens if you forgot to sign your absentee ballot envelope? In many states, that ballot would simply be rejected. But Maine is one of 33 states with a 'ballot curing' process, which gives voters a chance to fix certain mistakes. According to Maine law, if a clerk finds a defect on an absentee ballot return envelope, they must try to notify the voter. This notification happens within one business day of receiving the ballot. Clerks will use the phone number or email address provided on the ballot application to explain the problem and how to 'cure' it. This process ensures that a simple, correctable error doesn't disenfranchise a voter. However, the window is tight. While the exact deadline can vary, voters typically have until just before the polls close on Election Day to fix the issue, making it critical to respond quickly if you get a call or email from your clerk.
Tabulation and Recounts
Once the municipal clerks complete their work, they submit the results to Maine's Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's office then tabulates the returns from all municipalities. In races decided by ranked-choice voting, this is also when the instant runoff process occurs if no candidate secures over 50% of first-choice votes. If a race is extremely close, a candidate can request a recount. In a standard election, a request must be filed within five business days. The candidate requesting the recount typically pays for it, unless the margin is exceptionally narrow. This step provides another layer of verification, ensuring the final count is as precise as possible before the results become locked in.
Certification: Making it Official
The final step in the post-election journey is certification. Within 20 days of the election, the Secretary of State is required to complete the statewide tabulation of votes and submit the certified results to the Governor. This act transforms the unofficial results into the official, final outcome. Once the certified copy is submitted to the Governor, the tabulation is considered final for all races, except for any that are still undergoing a recount. The Secretary of State then makes copies of the official tabulation available to the public. This formal declaration confirms that all legally required steps have been followed and the will of the voters has been officially recorded, bringing the election cycle to its definitive close.
