Maine stands out in Election Day processes for two main reasons: it uses ranked choice voting and allocates its electoral votes by both statewide vote and congressional district. Ranked choice voting is a system where if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who chose that candidate as their top pick have their votes redistributed to their next choice. This process continues until one candidate has a majority of votes. Maine is one of two states, along with Nebraska, that awards some of its electoral votes by congressional district rather than winner-takes-all.
In the presidential elections of 2016 and 2020, Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden won the statewide popular vote and the vote in the 1st Congressional District. Meanwhile, Republican former President Donald Trump secured victory in the 2nd Congressional District in both years. In the upcoming 2024 election, Independent U.S. Senator Angus King faces reelection challenges from Democrat David Costello, Republican Demi Kouzounas, and independent Jason Cherry. King, who caucuses with Democrats, has been serving since 2012.
In the 2nd Congressional District, Democratic Representative Jared Golden is vying for a fourth term and faces stiff competition from Republican Austin Theriault. The last time Golden ran for reelection in a presidential year, he received 53% of the district vote, while Trump garnered 52% in the presidential race. The Associated Press emphasizes that it does not make projections and will declare a winner only when there is no possibility for trailing candidates to close the gap. The AP will continue to cover any significant developments in races, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Election in Maine, key details include the polling closing time at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 5. The state will award a total of four presidential electoral votes, with two going to the statewide winner and the remaining two based on the winners of each congressional district. Key races and candidates in Maine include the Presidential race between Harris (D), Trump (R), Chase Oliver (Libertarian), Jill Stein (Green), and Cornel West. Additionally, the U.S. Senate race features incumbent independent Angus King, Democrat David Costello, Republican Demi Kouzounas, and independent Jason Cherry. In the 2nd Congressional District, Jared Golden (D) competes against Austin Theriault (R).
Voter registration data shows a significant proportion of independent voters in Maine, making up 32%, with Democrats at 34% and Republicans at 28%. Voter turnout in the 2020 Presidential election was at 72% of registered voters. Pre-Election Day voting has been a growing trend, with about 63% of votes cast before Election Day in 2020, dropping to about 36% in 2022. Vote-counting typically begins on Election Day, with the first votes reported in the evening, and around 56% of total votes reported by midnight ET. The Associated Press offers in-depth coverage of elections and democracy, aimed at helping readers understand the American democratic process and initiatives to enhance explanatory coverage.
