5 Important Facts About the Maine Primary Election 2026

With the primary election just a few hours away, here's a list of a few things each voter should know before they head to the polls.

Tuesday, June 6, 2026, is the Primary Election in Maine, and there are a few things voters may want to keep in mind as they head to their local polling place.

1. Where Do You Vote?

The Maine Secretary of State's Office has compiled a list of polling places taking part in the primary election.

That list can be found here.

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Included in that database is the time each polling place will open for the day.

2. Some of the Races to Watch in the 2026 Maine Primary Election

Maine Gubernatorial Race (Democrats)

• Shenna Bellows
• Troy Jackson
• Angus King III
• Hannah Pingree
• Nirav Shah

Maine Gubernatorial Race (Republican)

• Jonathan Bush
• Bobby Charles
• David Jones
• James Libby
• Garrett Mason
• Owen McCarthy
• Ben Midgley
• Robert Wessels

US Senate Race (Democrats)

• Graham Platner
• Janet Mills
• David Costello

US Senate Race (Republicans)

• Susan Collins - Incumbent - Running unopposed

US House of Representatives - 1st Congressional District (Democrats)

• Chellie Pingree - Incumbent - Running unopposed

US House of Representatives - 1st Congressional District (Republicans)

• Joshua Pietrowicz
• Ronald Russell

US House of Representatives - 2nd Congressional District (Democrats)

• Joe Baldacci
• Matthew Dunlap
• Paige Loud
• Jordan Wood

US House of Representatives - 2nd Congressional District (Republicans)

• Paul LePage - Running unopposed

3. Ranked-Choice Voting Applies in Many Primary Races

Statewide and federal primary contests use ranked-choice voting.

In that case, voters will pick their top choice and then rank their subsequent choices.

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If no candidate wins a majority of first-choice votes, lower-ranked candidates are eliminated, and votes are redistributed until someone reaches a majority.

This can delay the results for a week or more before a winner can be declared.

4. There's Still Time to Register to Vote

Eligible voters can register at their municipal office before Election Day or at their polling place on Election Day.

5. Votes for Janet Mills Will Still Count

Janet Mills, who's vying for a seat in the US Senate, and James Libby, who's running for Governor, suspended their campaigns before the Primary Election.

But WMTW-TV reports that since neither candidate filed a written withdrawal notice with the Secretary of State's office, any votes they receive will still count.