Dunlap and Michaud Question LePage Florida Residency

The former officials allege that Paul LePage voted in Florida shortly before registering as a Maine voter in 2025.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Elections

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Former officials Matt Dunlap and Mike Michaud challenged Paul LePage's Maine voter residency, alleging he voted in Florida shortly before registering. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Matt Dunlap and Mike Michaud held a press conference in Bangor to challenge the residency status of Paul LePage. They allege that LePage voted in a Florida election just eight days before registering to vote in Maine in 2025.

Why it matters

The controversy centers on whether residency requirements for Maine voters were met, a topic that has drawn significant scrutiny during the election cycle. This issue was previously raised during an October 15, 2026, debate on WABI.

The dispute centers on an eight-day window between LePage casting a ballot in Florida and his 2025 registration in Maine. The legal implications of this timeline regarding state residency remain the subject of active investigation.

The players

Matt Dunlap

He is a former Maine Secretary of State who has been active in monitoring state election laws and residency requirements.

Mike Michaud

He is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a former candidate for Governor of Maine.

Paul LePage

He is a former Governor of Maine who has previously served two terms in the state's highest office.

The details

The challenge was highlighted during a joint press conference where the officials scrutinized LePage's voting history across state lines. Questions regarding his residency were also addressed in a televised debate on WABI earlier in October.

Timeline

  1. Paul LePage registered to vote in Maine in 2025.

  2. Residency questions were raised during a televised debate on October 15, 2026.

  3. Matt Dunlap and Mike Michaud held a press conference on October 21, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents have argued that the registration may violate established Maine voter residency statutes. Supporters of LePage maintain that his activities remain within the bounds of legal residency requirements despite the public scrutiny.

The allegations highlight potential changes to state voting verification procedures that could impact all Maine residents. Voters should be aware of how residency status is confirmed to ensure their own eligibility for upcoming elections.

The takeaway

Voters should regularly verify their registration status through official state portals to ensure compliance with local laws. Understanding the specific residency requirements helps maintain the integrity of the electoral process for all participants.

Further reading

For more on the current race, visit the Maine Elections page.

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Do you believe a candidate's primary residence should be a deciding factor in your vote?