1. Ratification of the Minutes of the May 29, 2024 Meeting
Motion: To accept the Minutes as amended
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Vote: 4-0
2. Failure to File Campaign Finance Report – Building the Maine House PAC
Building the Maine House is a political action committee that was required to file the 11-Day Pre-Primary Report on May 31, 2024. It filed the report 46 days late on July 16, only after the Commission staff initiated an enforcement proceeding. Commission staff initiated the penalty process because the PAC has a unique history of not filing reports on time. Commission staff recommends consideration of a civil penalty or other enforcement action for the failure to file the 11-Day Pre-Primary Report within 30 days of the filing deadline.
Motion: To find the report was filed over 30-days late
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Vote: 3-0
3. Request for Investigation – May 2024 Referendum in St. George, Maine
Rep. Ann Higgins Matlack submitted a request for investigation concerning an anonymous postcard mailing to some residents of St. George, Maine urging a “no” vote on a May 2024 municipal referendum. She asks the Commission to investigate whether the card should have stated who paid for the mailing and whether the persons responsible should have filed information with the Commission.
Motion: To postpone this item for one month.
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Vote: 1-3
Motion: To request staff to investigate the matter.
Made by: Commissioner LeClaire
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
4. Report on Proposals to Amend the U.S. Constitution – Campaign Finance Regulation
On November 7, 2023, Maine voters approved Question 2, which directed the Commission to issue a report by July 31, 2024 on proposals in the U.S. Congress to amend the federal constitution to allow for greater regulation of how money is raised and spent to influence elections.
Motion: To amend the report.
Made by: Commissioner LeClaire
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 3-1
Motion: To adopt version 2 of the report as amended.
Made by: Commissioner LeClaire
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 3-1
Executive Session (if necessary)
Other Business
ADJOURNMENT