Electoral Engagement

Election Information Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Time: Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm Citywide Polling Location: Longley School, 145 Birch Street

What to bring to the polls:

Two Key Things: Your Bates ID and Smartphone (or a Printout from Garnet Gateway)
The process for voter check-in has changed this year. In order to vote at the polls (or register to vote), students must bring their Bates ID, which establishes their identity.  Because student IDs will feature preferred names instead of legal names, you will need to show your Voter Registration Badge, available on Garnet Gateway, that establishes legal identity and your residency at Bates. Finding Your Voter Registration Badge (via Smart Phone or Computer):
When you are logged into Garnet Gateway, look at the sidebar menu for Account & Access and click the “Voter Registration” link.
Your Voter Registration Badge will show up that discloses your chosen name, your legal name, and your local address on campus.  You will show this to your local elections clerk when you register or check in to vote on Election Day, or when you fill out your voter registration card.
If you do not have a smartphone, you will need to print a copy of your Voter Registration Badge and bring it with you to the polls on Election Day. This is an image of the printout you should bring.

What’s on my ballot?

Primary for President: Maine has semi-open primaries.  Based on your party enrollment, you will receive a ballot for either Democratic or Republican candidates.  If you are unenrolled in a political party, you will have an option to choose which party to vote in.  Registered voters who are enrolled in another political party (Green Independent, Libertarian, or No Labels) will not be able to vote in this election because their political party is not proposing any candidates for this election.  You have the option of rank choice voting.