BANGOR – Maine voters will cast their ballots today on several key issues, including whether to send Gov. John Baldacci back to the Blaine House and whether to adopt the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a referendum initiative designed to limit state and local government spending.

Voters also will decide whether to send incumbents U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and U.S. Reps. Michael Michaud and Tom Allen back to Congress.

Control of the State House also will be decided today, with voters electing their local representatives to the Legislature.

Perhaps the most closely watched contest on today’s ballot is the governor’s race in which Baldacci, a Bangor Democrat, faces Republican state Sen. Chandler Woodcock of Farmington, Maine Green Independent Pat LaMarche of Yarmouth, independent state Rep. Barbara Merrill of Appleton, and independent Phillip Morris NaPier of Windham.

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights will appear as Question 1 on the Maine ballot. TABOR, as it is widely known, is based on a Colorado initiative.

The Maine version seeks to limit increases in state and local government spending to the rate of inflation and population growth. It also requires voter approval for all tax and fee increases.

Supporters say it is a reasonable way to rein in government spending that gives voters more power over their tax dollars. The plan’s critics say it will harm local schools and public safety organizations while taking control away from local elected officials.

Question 2 on the ballot is a constitutional amendment that sets a precise time frame for filing initiative petitions with the secretary of state, ending a contradiction in Maine laws.

Also on the statewide ballot is the race for U.S. Senate, in which voters will choose among Republican Olympia Snowe of Falmouth, Democrat Jean Hay Bright of Dixmont and independent William Slavick of Portland.

In the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Tom Allen of Portland is seeking a sixth term in the House. He faces Republican Darlene Curley of Scarborough and independent Dexter Kamilevicz of Orrs Island.

In the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Michael Michaud of East Millinocket is seeking a third term. He faces Republican L. Scott D’Amboise of Lisbon.

Depending on the town, polling places generally open between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. In Bangor, polls open at 7 a.m.

All of the state’s 600-plus polling locations close at 8 p.m. For more information, call your local town clerk.

This is the first year an audio ballot will be available to voters as part of the federal Help America Vote Act. Using the system at their local polling place, voters can choose their candidate using an automated telephone prompt. A paper ballot is then faxed to the polling location to confirm a voter’s selection.

The system is designed to aid people with a range of disabilities. To use the system, a voter must request to do so at the polling location.

Here are some other things to keep in mind on Election Day:

. Maine residents can register to vote on Election Day at their local polling place.

. Anyone with questions about voting can contact the Secretary of State’s Office elections division at 624-7650, or e-mail sos.office@maine.gov.

. To report possible election fraud or voting rights violations on Election Day, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Bangor at 945-0373 or in Portland at 771-3224.