Bangor is issuing an absentee ballot after an alleged 'illegal' incident

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The city of Bangor warned voters this week about illegal activity surrounding absentee voting.

City officials say they are aware of at least one person knocking on doors offering to return absentee ballots. In a Facebook post they say this is illegal, and the incident has been reported to the Secretary of State.

The city is warning voters that giving their vote to a stranger could result in their vote not being submitted and/or counted.

Instead, they say only you, a family member, or a previously designated third party may return your ballot.

Ballots may be dropped off at the City Hall mailbox in the rear of the building at 262 Harlow Street, at the clerk’s office during business hours, or may be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service.

Earlier this week, Bangor’s city clerk explained the process they undertake to verify that all returned absentee ballots belong to the registered voter.

“When they take their absentee ballot out or when we mail it to them, we usually have an application with a signature on it. If it’s done electronically, we have their voter registration card on it. So we can match the signature on the envelope if it comes back on the application or on their voter registration card,” said Lisa Goodwin, Bangor City Clerk.

Election officials say if there is a problem with the voter envelope, they will be contacted by the county within 24 hours and given an opportunity to resolve the issue.

If you returned your absentee ballot, you can now check its status via the Website of the State Secretary.