Elections & Voting

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING STATE GOVERNMENT CLOSURE

In observance of Veterans Day, the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions will be closed Monday, November 11, 2024.

The Division supervises and administers all elections of federal, state and county offices and referenda, and in that capacity advises election officials from 500 municipalities, 600 candidates and the general public regarding election laws and procedures; prepares, proofreads and distributes 1,800 separate ballot types and other elections materials; tabulates official elections results; supervises recounts in contested races; and oversees the application of state laws pertaining to candidate and citizen initiative petitions.

Administrative Procedure Act (State Rulemaking)

The Maine Administrative Procedure Act (A.P.A.) applies uniform requirements to state agencies with rule-making power, and sets minimum standards for agencies to follow in adopting and implementing rules.

Proposed Rule Change

CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE:  Ch. 505, Voter List Maintenance Procedures
BRIEF SUMMARY: This rule was proposed by a private citizen in a petition signed by 150 or more registered voters. Under 5 M.R.S. Sec. 8055, the Department of Secretary of State is required to initiate rulemaking proceedings and invite public comment on the proposed rule. The proposed rule would repeal and replace the current rule governing maintenance of voter registration records under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The proposed rule would impose on municipal registrars new and modified requirements relating to voter list maintenance and the cancelation of ineligible voters. The rule would also create new standards for registrars to determine whether persons seeking to register to vote are qualified voters. If adopted by the agency, the rule would become effective sometime after the November 2024 general election.
COMMENT DEADLINE: December 15, 2024
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Melissa Packard, Director of Elections, Bureau of CEC, 184 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333-0184. Telephone: (207) 624-7736. E-mail: Melissa.Packard@Maine.gov.
EMAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: Dorothy.Canelli@Maine.gov
PROPOSED RULE: Ch. 505 as proposed by Citizen Petition
FULL PROPOSAL NOTICE: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/notices/2024/WeeklyNotice10232024.html



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