In-person absentee voting Monday got off to a robust start in several communities, with some Portland voters saying they were eager to cast a ballot in the presidential election.

The State House is the people’s house,” Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows told a room filled with high school and college students this weekend at the Maine Students Vote annual Youth Voting Summit at Colby College in Waterville.

The number of races where Democrats and Republicans did not face off rose significantly in the pandemic election of 2020, and has stayed at almost the same level since.

Democratic Congressman Jared Golden and his Republican challenger, Austin Theriault, will square off in their first debate Thursday night.

The race in Maine’s Second District is one of the more hotly contested races this cycle. It’s expected to be close and could ultimately tip the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The incumbent, Democrat Jared Golden, has held the seat for six years.

It is just 29 days out until November 5. In Maine, in-person early absentee voting begins 30 days before Election Day.

Republican Austin Theriault is hoping to unseat Democratic incumbent Jared Golden in the November election to represent Maine in Washington, D.C.

Democratic nominee Golden ultimately won under ranked-choice voting. Many liberals who voted for the independent candidates ranked him second. As a result, this was the first time a Maine incumbent lost in over 100 years - demonstrating the rank-choice voting proponents’ claim that the system makes elections more competitive.

By voting yes on Question 1, we can take a stand against the overwhelming influence of money in politics and ensure that the voices of regular Mainers are heard. Let’s protect our democracy and keep Maine elections fair. Please join me in voting yes on Question 1.

Voting is underway across Maine with the start of in-person early absentee voting on Monday.While other races aren't nearly as close, the 2nd

The number of races where Democrats and Republicans did not face off rose significantly in the pandemic election of 2020, and has stayed at almost the same level.