AUGUSTA — Maine’s top election official said voter participation records were shattered in the election.
Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap estimates that more than 75 percent of the voting-age population cast ballots, which is a record. And, based on unofficial figures, more than 800,000 ballots were cast, also a record, he said.
The previous record number of votes was 771,892 during the 2016 election, Dunlap said Thursday.

A long line formed outside Thornton Academy prior to the polls opening on Election Day on Tuesday. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Remarkably, he said, the election went smoothly, despite the massive number of absentee ballots and a large number of in-person votes cast during a global pandemic.
Lots of people worked together, including the governor, clerks and state officials – and the private sector – to help things run smoothly.
Maine-based Flowfold and L.L. Bean donated personal protective equipment for poll workers across the state, Dunlap said.
A metal machining company in West Newfield produced 75 absentee ballot drop boxes that were based on a design provided by Southern Maine Community College, he said.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Nation & World
Republican Party to stay neutral should Trump seek White House again
-
Local & State
Greater Portland immigrant leaders welcome end of so-called Muslim travel ban
-
Feature Obituary
Fred Dolgon, peace activist and member of Green Independent Party, dies at 91
-
Boston Red Sox
Schilling targets Boston, media and voters in tirade after Hall of Fame snub
-
Lewiston-Auburn
Gun sales in central Maine stay strong while ammo supply still runs short
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.