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Judicial Branch Announces Procedure for Emergency Case Filings Regarding Elections
Date: 10/29/2026
AUGUSTA, Maine. The Maine Judicial Branch announced the procedure for emergency case filings regarding elections to be held on November 3, 2026.
Procedure for Election Filings
In order to expedite the review of filings, Superior Court Chief Justice Robert Mullen and District Court Chief Judge Brent Davis issued a standing order on October 28th requiring all filings pertaining to the November 3 election and filed between Friday, October 30, 2026, at 4:00 pm and Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 9:00 pm to be filed on paper at the clerk's office. Filers should NOT use the eFile Maine system for these emergency filings.
Filings submitted on paper will be reviewed immediately by a clerk and can be directed to the appropriate justice for timely review. Filers are also encouraged to put their cell phone numbers or emergency telephone numbers (where they can be reached after hours) on their filings.
State Courts Open Late on November 3
The state courthouses in Bangor, Augusta and Portland will be open until 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of accepting and acting on emergency paper filings regarding elections. A judge, a clerk and a marshal will be on duty at each courthouse.
Availability of Documents to the Media
All public documents related to election filings will be posted on the high-profile page of the Judicial Branchs public website as soon as is practicable.