Jayne Farrin, Caribou city clerk reminds citizens of two important changes regarding voter registration and absentee balloting, the result of the last legislative session, during which legislators passed substantial changes to the election laws.
“The first change eliminates voter registration on election day (same day voter registration),” stated Farrin, “after its passing by the legislature, there was a successful citizen’s initiative which means that the voters of the state of Maine will be voting on this issue in November and there is a stay on implementation of the law change.” “In other words,” said Farin, if you would like to register to vote, you may do so at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 9.”
Caribou residents are also reminded that when registering at the polls, or at the city office prior to Election Day, proof of identity and residency is required. A driver’s license or state identification card indicating a physical street address in Caribou meets both of these criteria. If a driver’s license shows a post office box or previous address, another document such a checkbook, utility bill or vehicle registration that displays a Caribou street address is required.
According to Farrin the second important change deals with issuance of absentee ballots. This is a change that will be in effect for the Nov. 8 election. The legislature has now established a cutoff for voting absentee without cause or for any reason. Individuals who know at this time they will be going away or if they prefer to vote by absentee ballot, the cutoff is three business days prior to the election, Thursday, Nov. 3. Requests for absentee ballots must be received in the city clerk’s office no later than 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3.
Voters may request an absentee ballot by contacting the city clerk’s office at 493-3324, ext. 221. If callers receive Farrin’s voice mail they are asked to leave a telephone number so she can return the call and obtain the absentee ballot request directly. Through a telephone request, the voter may request only their ballot; in other words, a request for a spouse’s ballot will be denied.
Voters can go online to the Maine Secretary of State’s website and apply for an absentee ballot electronically or complete, print and mail the written request to City Clerk, 25 High Street, Caribou, ME. 04736.
The link for the Secretary of State’s website can be found on the city of Caribou’s home page at www.cariboumaine.org. Also, on the city’s home page, voters may view a sample State of Maine referendum ballot and a sample of the city’s candidate and referendum ballot.
Farrin reminds Caribou voters that the city’s ballot is two-sided, one side is the candidates and the second contains the referendum question regarding the city’s charter revision.
The Caribou city clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be extended voter registration hours on Thursday, Nov. 3, with hours being 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Farrin also stated that everyone is welcome to come into the office, even if they are currently registered but need to update any information such as change of last name or change of address within Caribou.
