AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine election officials have released details on how ranked-choice voting will be used in upcoming elections, outlining procedures for ballot tabulation and voter participation ahead of the state’s November 2026 general election, according to information published by the Maine Department of the Secretary of State.
The secretary of state’s office said ranked-choice voting will continue to be used in state primary elections and in general elections for federal offices. Under the system, voters rank candidates in order of preference, and ballots are counted in rounds if no candidate secures a majority of first-choice votes.
“Ranked-choice voting, sometimes called ‘instant run-off voting,’ allows voters to choose their candidates in order of preference,” the department said in its voter guidance materials. The office said candidates are eliminated in successive rounds until a winner receives a majority of the votes remaining in the count.
The announcement comes after several high-profile races in Maine’s June 2026 primary election required ranked-choice tabulation because no candidate won more than 50% of first-choice votes. State officials said gubernatorial primaries in both major parties, along with a Democratic congressional primary, advanced to additional rounds of counting under the system.
According to the secretary of state’s office, ballots and election materials are transported to a central tabulation site in Augusta when ranked-choice rounds are required. The process is conducted publicly and can be observed by media representatives and members of the public.
Maine first implemented ranked-choice voting in statewide primaries in 2018. State guidance says the system is used in all state-level primary elections and in general elections for federal offices, including presidential contests, while different rules apply to certain state general-election races because of constitutional considerations.
The November 3, 2026 general election will include contests for governor, Maine’s congressional delegation, legislative seats and county offices, according to the state’s election calendar. Ranked-choice voting will apply where required under Maine law.
Election officials said voters seeking additional information can review sample ballots, tabulation rules and frequently asked questions through resources provided by the Department of the Secretary of State. Details regarding specific ballot formats and final election administration procedures remain subject to state election regulations.
