If you woke up today, January 13, 2026, and headed to the fridge thinking it was just another Tuesday, you might want to double-check your local town calendar. There's a lot of chatter about "voting today," but here's the kicker: for most of us in Maine, the big statewide "everyone-go-to-the-polls" election isn't actually happening right this second.
Honestly, it's confusing. You see the signs. You hear the news reports about the Maine House taking massive votes in Augusta. You hear people arguing about car repairs or library books. But before you go hunting for your "I Voted" sticker, let’s clear up exactly what are we voting for today in Maine—because while you might not be at a polling place, your representatives are certainly busy casting votes that will hit your wallet and your car soon.
The Big House Vote: Right to Repair is Back
The most significant thing being "voted for" today isn't happening in a high school gym; it’s happening under the State House dome. The Maine House of Representatives just took a massive vote today to override Governor Janet Mills’ veto of LD 1228.
Wait, didn't we already vote on this? Yes, we did. Back in 2023, Mainers went to the polls and overwhelmingly supported the "Right to Repair." We wanted independent mechanics to have the same access to our car’s data as the big dealerships. But then things got messy.
The legislature tried to "tweak" the law with LD 1228. Governor Mills vetoed it, saying it actually gave too much power back to the manufacturers by letting them decide what "fair and reasonable" access looks like. Today, the House voted 96 to 44 to say, "No, Governor, we're sticking with this bill."
This matters to you because:
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- Rural access: If you live in a place like Hodgdon or Fort Kent, you don't want to drive two hours to a dealership just because your local mechanic can't "talk" to your car's computer.
- Cybersecurity: There’s a huge debate about whether opening these "digital doors" makes our cars hackable.
- Price tags: If independent shops get locked out, those repair bills at the dealership are only going in one direction: up.
The House override is done. Now, the drama moves to the Senate. They didn't take it up today, but they will soon. If you want to "vote" on this, your vote is actually a phone call or an email to your state senator.
Local Elections and the "Town Meeting" Vibe
While there isn't a statewide general election today, Maine is the land of local control. This is the time of year when school boards and municipal committees start making the decisions that show up on your property tax bill later.
In Portland today, the Legislative and Nominating Committee is meeting. In other small towns across the state, school budget validation processes are starting to ramp up. It’s not as "flashy" as a presidential race, but these are the votes that decide if your kid gets a new playground or if the town road finally gets paved.
Is there a Special Election today?
If you live in House District 94, you might be seeing a lot of "Vote Today" energy. But take a breath—that special election to fill the vacant seat isn't actually until February 24, 2026.
People often get these dates mixed up because the nomination deadlines and the absentee ballot requests are happening right now. If you want to vote by mail for that February race, today is the day to start thinking about getting that application in.
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What’s On the Horizon (The Stuff People Are Signing For)
If you walk into a grocery store today, someone might shove a clipboard in your face. That is a form of "voting," too. Right now, there is a massive push to get a referendum on the ballot to repeal recreational cannabis.
It's been ten years since Maine legalized it. Now, a group is trying to roll back the commercial side of things while keeping personal possession legal. It’s a huge deal, and some folks are claiming the signature gatherers aren't being totally honest about what’s on the paper.
Expert Note: Always read the full text on the petition. In Maine, the law says they have to have the actual proposed statute changes right there for you to read. Don't take their word for it.
The 2026 Election Calendar: Mark Your Fridge
Since we’re talking about what are we voting for today in Maine, let's look at the dates that actually require you to leave the house and find a ballot box.
- February 24, 2026: Special Election for House District 94.
- June 9, 2026: The Primary Election. This is where we pick the candidates for Governor and Congress.
- November 3, 2026: The General Election. The big one.
We’ve got a crowded field for Governor already. Names like Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, and even Nirav Shah (remember him from the pandemic?) are being tossed around on the Democratic side. For the Republicans, everyone from James Libby to Robert Wessels is eyeing the seat.
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Your Action Plan for Today
So, you’re not casting a ballot today. That doesn't mean you're off the hook. Here is what you should actually do:
- Check your registration: Maine now has an online voter registration system. It’s super easy. If you moved recently, fix it now so you aren't waiting in line in June.
- Call your Senator: If you care about the "Right to Repair" override that happened in the House today, call your state senator. The House passed it, but the Senate is where it might die.
- Watch the Library Rules: The Maine Library Commission is meeting this week to talk about new standards. If you care about whether your local library stays open or how it’s staffed, these are the "quiet" votes that change your community.
- Request an Absentee Ballot: If you’re in a district with a special election in February, get ahead of the curve.
Basically, "voting" in Maine is a year-round sport. Today might not be a day for the polls, but it’s definitely a day for the people to pay attention to what the folks in Augusta are doing with our laws.
Check the Maine Secretary of State's website if you aren't sure which district you're in. Knowing your numbers is half the battle when the next real election day rolls around.
Next Steps:
Go to the Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions website to verify your current voter status and find your specific district representatives. If you live in House District 94, download your absentee ballot request form now to ensure you're ready for the February 24 special election.