Maine Accessibility Project (MAP)
Measuring Access. Encouraging Transparency.
Every Mainer deserves access to clear, accurate, and timely public information. The Maine Accessibility Project documents how accessible municipalities are when responding to standard public election information requests using one transparent and consistent methodology. Our goal is to recognize excellent public service, encourage continual improvement, and help strengthen trust between citizens and local government.
Why MAP Exists
Every Mainer deserves access to clear, accurate, and timely public information.
The Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) was created to better understand how accessible election information is across Maine’s municipalities. Using one consistent methodology, MAP documents response times, evaluates the information provided, and recognizes municipalities that make public information easy to access.
The goal isn’t to criticize. It’s to celebrate excellent public service, encourage continual improvement, and help strengthen trust between citizens and local government.
OUR METHODOLOGY
How the Maine Accessibility Project Works
Every municipality receives the same standardized request and is evaluated using the same published methodology. By following one consistent process, MAP aims to ensure every review is fair, transparent, objective, and repeatable.
📧 Standard Request
Every municipality receives the exact same election information request using the same communication method.
⏱️ Response Window
If a request is sent outside normal business hours, response times begin at 8:00 AM on the next business day.
📊 Objective Review
Every response is evaluated using the same published scoring rubric and objective criteria.
Transparency
Municipalities may request factual corrections or provide updated information to help keep every review accurate and fair.
What the Score Means
Every MAP review is grounded in one consistent scoring methodology. By evaluating every municipality against the same published criteria, the project seeks to provide residents with a fair, transparent, and easy-to-understand assessment of public accessibility. The score is not intended to criticize—it is designed to recognize excellent public service, encourage continual improvement, and strengthen trust between Maine’s communities and the public institutions that serve them.
Municipality Reviews
Published MAP Reviews
North Berwick Receives Provisional 0/100 in Maine Accessibility Project Election Information Review
The Town of North Berwick received a provisional 0/100 in The Maine Mirror’s Maine Accessibility Project after failing to respond to a standardized request for public election information nearly three weeks after the email was opened. Learn how the MAP evaluates municipal accessibility and why scores may change over time.
One Town at a Time: Welcoming Rockland to The Maine Mirror Network
Rockland is the newest community to join The Maine Mirror Network. Discover what makes this Midcoast city unique, learn a fascinating piece of its history, and see how our long-term commitment to local journalism, accountability, and community engagement begins—one town at a time.
Camden Earns Exceptional Marks in Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) Review
The Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) has completed its review of the Town of Camden, awarding a perfect score of 100 out of 100 for its timely, thorough, and professional response to a standardized public election information request, setting the current benchmark for municipal accessibility.
Augusta Earns High Marks in Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) Review
The Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) has completed its review of the City of Augusta, awarding a score of 95 out of 100 for its prompt, professional response to a standardized public election information request while highlighting one opportunity to provide more complete election information directly to residents.
Berwick Earns Strong Marks in First Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) Review
The Maine Accessibility Project (MAP) has completed its first municipal accessibility review, awarding the Town of Berwick a score of 90 out of 100 for its timely, professional response to a standardized public election information request while identifying opportunities to provide more complete information in future responses.