FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2014
Contact: Melissa Couture
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Urges Mainers to Take Part in Upcoming National Voter Registration Day

AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap wants to remind Mainers that September 23, 2014 is National Voter Registration Day and is part of National Voter Registration Month, which was established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in 2002 in order to promote increased awareness for voter registration requirements.

According to U.S. Census data, three out of every 10 eligible U.S. voters went unregistered for the November 2012 elections.

"We're fortunate to lead the nation in the percentage of eligible citizens who are registered to vote in our elections, said Dunlap. But, we can always do better. Our goal is that every eligible citizen registers and participates in our elections."

In Maine, eligible voters can register in person at their town office or city hall up to and including Election Day. The deadline to register by mail or through a voter registration drive is the close of business on the 21st day before the election. That date is Tuesday, October 14, 2014 for the General and Referendum Election. The registration card must be received by the municipality on or before October 14th (mail or 3rd person).

Secretary Dunlap is working with Maine's local election administrators to raise awareness of registration deadlines and requirements for the November 4, 2014 statewide Referendum Election, as well as promoting State resources to help with the registration process.

"Now is the time to get registered to vote," said Dunlap who is currently serving on the NASS Executive Board as the Eastern Region Vice President and Co-Chair of the Committee on State Heritage. "It's a quick, simple process and will ensure that you are on the voter list in your town should you wish to cast an absentee ballot this November."

For more information on voter registration in Maine, please see the State of Maine Voter Guide at: http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voterguide.html.