Maine’s New Semi-Open Primary - Beginning 2024

Beginning in 2024, Maine will transition from being a Closed Primary state to a Semi-Open Primary state. Prior to 2024, only voters enrolled in a party could vote in that party’s primary. Unenrolled voters could not participate in a party primary unless the voter enrolled in the party.

 

Beginning in 2024, unenrolled voters now have the option to vote in any party primary without having to enroll in the party. Unenrolled voters may only vote in one party’s primary (i.e., select either the Democratic or Republican party ballot in March).

 

Voters enrolled in a party must vote that party’s primary ballot. Enrolled voters do not have the option to select another party’s ballot unless they change enrollment at least 15 days prior to the primary.

 

Voters who are enrolled in qualified parties that are not conducting primaries (i.e., Green Independent in the March 5 Presidential Primary) cannot participate in the primary, unless they unenroll or change enrollment to a party which has a primary election at least 15 days prior to the Primary.