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The program allows voters to cast ballots just as they would on Election Day.

By GLENN ADAMS The Associated Press November 1, 2007

AUGUSTA — State efforts to make it easier for Mainers to vote have reached a new stage.

This week, in advance of statewide voting Tuesday, polls are open in Bangor, Readfield and Portland.

Absentee voting is relatively simple in Maine, but those wishing to vote that way still need to obtain a ballot, fill it out, seal the ballot in an envelope, sign the envelope and turn it in.

The experimental Early Voting process allows people in the three pilot communities to go to a polling place and cast a ballot just as they would Tuesday.

"Three communities have opened their polls more than a week early, allowing residents to cast their ballots just as they ordinarily would on Election Day," Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said in a statement.

Crediting the participating communities with "crafting their own plans for carrying out this initiative," Dunlap said that "if it's well-received in these three locations, Early Voting could become available as an option for municipalities statewide as another way to accommodate the busy schedules of the voting public."

Participants in the Early Voting initiative will render a verdict of their own in this election, according to Dunlap.

"The purpose of the pilot program is simple: to determine if Early Voting can be a success. ... The three municipalities taking part in this Early Voting pilot program are providing a simple, anonymous questionnaire to the voters ... allowing them to weigh in on the process," he said.