21-A M.R.S. § 843 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 843
21-A §843. Requirements for devices
Status: in_force

An electronic tabulating system purchased or rented by a municipality must meet the following requirements. [PL 1995, c. 459, §95 (AMD).]

1. Secrecy. It must be used so that each voter may vote in secrecy. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

2. Voting limited. It must permit each voter to vote at any election for all persons and offices for whom and for which the voter is entitled to vote; to vote for as many persons for an office as the voter is entitled to vote for; to vote for or against any question upon which the voter is entitled to vote; and the electronic tabulating equipment must reject choices recorded on the voter's ballot, if the number of choices exceeds the number for which the voter is entitled to vote for the office or on the measure. [PL 1995, c. 459, §96 (AMD).]

3. Write-in vote. It must permit a voter to vote for a write-in candidate. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

4. Voting restricted at primary. It must prevent a voter from voting for the nomination of candidates of more than one party at a primary election. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

5. Unauthorized voting prohibited. It must prevent a voter from voting for any office or upon any question for whom or on which that voter is not entitled to vote. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §71 (COR).]

6. Change of vote permitted. It must permit a voter to change or retract a vote the voter has attempted to cast, in accordance with section 693 , before the voter's ballot has been deposited in the electronic tabulating device. [PL 1995, c. 459, §96 (AMD).]

7. Official approval required. It must be of an identical type approved by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1307 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 17 / Section 1307
21-A §1307. Conflicts
Status: in_force

All laws in a member state in conflict with this agreement are superseded to the extent of the conflict. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 606 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 606
21-A §606. Official ballots
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall furnish each municipality with official ballots to be used for absentee voting and for voting on election day. [PL 2013, c. 131, §17 (AMD).]

1. Number of ballots furnished. The Secretary of State shall review the number of votes cast at the last election of that type as well as current registration and enrollment statistics in each voting district when determining the number of ballots to be furnished to each municipality. If the clerk believes that extra ballots will be needed, the clerk must request them from the Secretary of State a reasonable time before the election and provide a written justification for the request. The Secretary of State may send the requested number to the clerk and may furnish as many additional ballots as the Secretary of State believes necessary. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (RPR).]

2. How packaged. The ballots must be bundled and sealed in units as determined by the Secretary of State. Each package to be shipped must be labeled on the outside with the name of the municipality for which it is intended and indicate that it contains state ballots. If the municipality has more than one voting place or voting district, then each package of ballots for election day must be labeled on the outside to indicate the voting place or voting district for which it is intended. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (RPR).]

2-A. Sample ballots for special, primary and general elections. [PL 1993, c. 447, §10 (RP).]

2-B. Test ballots. [PL 1993, c. 447, §11 (RP).]

3. Receipt issued; inspection of ballots by the clerk. Upon receipt of one or more packages of official ballots for an election, the clerk shall use the following process to inspect and verify the contents of the packages. A. Upon receipt of absentee ballots or blank absentee ballots, the clerk shall open each sealed package and verify that the ballots do not have any errors and that the correct amount of ballots has been received. The clerk shall immediately complete and return the receipt form provided by the Secretary of State, confirming receipt and noting any discrepancies in the type or amount of ballots received. The clerk shall then proceed to issue absentee ballots or blank absentee ballots in response to pending requests. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (NEW).] B. Upon receipt of regular ballots to be used on election day, the clerk shall open, in the presence of one or more witnesses, each sealed package and verify that the ballots do not have any errors and that the correct amount of ballots has been received. The clerk shall immediately complete and return the receipt form provided by the Secretary of State, confirming receipt and noting any discrepancies in the type or amount of ballots received. The clerk may remove ballots to be used for testing electronic tabulating systems or other voting devices and mark them as provided by section 854 . The clerk shall complete the clerk's portion of the warden's receipt of ballots and shall then reseal each package of regular ballots and secure each package until election day when it is delivered to the warden at the voting place. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (RPR).]

3-A. Use of test ballots in an election. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (RP).]

4. Records kept. The Secretary of State shall keep a record of the time when and the manner in which the ballots were furnished to each municipality. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (RPR).]

5. Reproducing official ballots. It is unlawful for a person to copy or reproduce an unmarked official ballot without the express authorization of the Secretary of State. [PL 2011, c. 342, §16 (RPR).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1104 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 13 / Section 1104
21-A §1104. Public records
Status: in_force

The commission shall retain for public inspection all completed code forms accepted by the commission under section 1103 . A code subscribed to by a candidate is a public record under Title 1, section 408‑A . [PL 2011, c. 662, §14 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 661 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 661
21-A §661. Registrar
Status: in_force

The registrar shall hold office hours as long as the polls are open on any election day for the following purposes. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Error in incoming voting list. The registrar shall correct any error in the incoming voting list or central voter registration system that might otherwise deprive a voter of the voter's franchise. A. A voter who is prevented from voting because the voter's name or address does not appear correctly on the incoming voting list may request the registrar to correct it. [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).] B. If the name or address of the voter was omitted by error from or placed incorrectly on the incoming voting list, the registrar shall issue a certificate to the voter containing the voter's correct name and address and directed to the warden of the appropriate voting place. The registrar shall correct the name and address on the incoming voting list and in the central voter registration system. [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).] C. On receipt of the certificate, the warden shall allow the person named in it to vote, check the voter's name on the certificate as having voted and attach the certificate securely to the incoming voting list. [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).]

2. Change of name or address. The registrar shall change a name or address on the incoming voting list. A. A voter whose name or address has changed as provided in section 129 may request the registrar to change it on the incoming voting list and in the central voter registration system. [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).] B. The registrar shall issue a certificate to the voter, who may vote as provided in subsection 1 . [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD).]

3. Registration and enrollment. The registrar shall accept registrations under section 122 and shall accept the enrollment of any voter under section 143‑A . [PL 2019, c. 371, §19 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 697 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 697
21-A §697. Use of red pens by election officials
Status: in_force

An election official must use pens or pencils containing only red ink or red lead during the conduct of official election business on election day. [PL 2001, c. 310, §43 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 907 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 11 / Section 907
21-A §907. Public hearing on direct initiatives
Status: in_force

A petition for direct initiative of legislation under the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 18 that is determined valid by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 905, subsection 1 and is submitted to the Legislature in accordance with the procedure established in the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 18, Subsection 1 must be afforded a public hearing conducted by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the petition or by a special legislative committee established for that purpose by the Legislative Council. The public hearing must be conducted in the same manner as other public hearings. The requirement to hold a public hearing may be waived by a vote of 2/3 of the members present in each House of the Legislature. [PL 2019, c. 152, §1 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 811 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 811
21-A §811. Obtaining and using
Status: in_force

A municipality may obtain and use voting machines according to the following provisions. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Purchased or rented. The municipality may either purchase or rent voting machines. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

2. Use authorized. The voting machines shall be used at each type of election authorized by the legislative body of the municipality. Once authorization has been given for use of the machines at any type of election, that authorization continues until specifically revoked by the legislative body. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

3. Use in one or more districts. A municipality which has more than one voting district may use voting machines in one or more of the districts as determined by its legislative body. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

4. Provided by municipality. In those municipal voting districts using voting machines, the municipal officers of each municipality must provide at least one voting machine for each 450, or fraction exceeding 1/2 of that number, of the voters qualified to vote at each voting place. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 301 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 301
21-A §301. Qualified parties
Status: in_force

1. Primary election. A party qualifies to participate in a primary election if its designation was listed on the ballot of either of the 2 preceding general elections and if: A. The party held municipal caucuses as prescribed by Article 2 in at least one municipality in a minimum of 14 counties in the State during the election year in which the designation was listed on the ballot and any interim election year and fulfills this same requirement during the year of the primary election; [PL 2011, c. 227, §1 (AMD).] B. The party held a state convention as prescribed by Article III during the election year in which the designation was listed on the ballot and any interim election year; and [PL 1999, c. 450, §1 (AMD).] C. [PL 2009, c. 426, §1 (RP).] D. [PL 1999, c. 450, §1 (RP).] E. The party's candidate for Governor or for President received at least 5% of the total votes cast in the State for Governor or for President in the last preceding gubernatorial or presidential election or at least 5,000 voters were enrolled in the party as of the last general election, except that a qualified party does not have to meet the requirements of this paragraph until the 2nd general election after it has qualified and thereafter. [PL 2023, c. 400, §1 (AMD).] Each state party committee must file a statement with the Secretary of State on or before March 20th certifying that the party has held the municipal caucuses required by paragraph A . The statement must be signed by the party chair or the chair's designated agent. [PL 2023, c. 400, §1 (AMD).]

2. General election. A party which qualifies under subsection 1 to participate in a primary election must, in that same year, hold a state convention as prescribed by Article III in order to have the party designation of its candidates printed on the ballot in the general election of that year. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 780-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 780-A
21-A §780-A. Use of blank write-in absentee ballot
Status: in_force

Prior to the time when regular absentee ballots are available, if an applicant requests a blank write-in absentee ballot or indicates that it takes more than 6 weeks to receive and return mail to the applicant's location, the Secretary of State shall send a blank write-in absentee ballot to the voter or shall transmit the regular absentee ballot by an authorized electronic means if the voter has designated that the voter wishes to receive that ballot by that means. [PL 2009, c. 563, §6 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 111 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 111
21-A §111. General qualifications
Status: in_force

A person who meets the following requirements may vote in any election in a municipality, including a biennial municipal caucus held pursuant to section 311 . [PL 2005, c. 387, §1 (AMD).]

1. Citizenship. The person must be a citizen of the United States. [PL 2005, c. 387, §1 (AMD).]

2. Age. The person must be at least 18 years of age, except that, to vote in a political party's primary election or municipal caucus, the person must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of the next general election. [PL 2005, c. 387, §1 (AMD).]

3. Residence. The person must have established and maintain a voting residence in that municipality. [PL 2005, c. 387, §1 (AMD).]

4. Registration. The person must be registered to vote in that municipality. [PL 2005, c. 387, §1 (AMD).]

5. Enrollment. The person must be enrolled in a party in that municipality to vote at that party's caucus or convention. [PL 2021, c. 750, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 750, §14 (AFF).]
21-A M.R.S. § 3 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 1 / Section 3
21-A §3. Signatures and names
Status: in_force

When this Title requires a name or signature on a document, immaterial irregularities do not invalidate the name or signature if the identity of the person named is clear to the public official charged with reviewing that document. [PL 2009, c. 538, §2 (AMD).]

1. Immaterial irregularities. Immaterial irregularities include, but are not limited to, misspelling, inclusion or omission of initials and substitution of initials or nicknames for given names. [PL 1997, c. 436, §8 (AMD).]

2. Application. This policy applies to circumstances including, but not limited to, the following: A. Absentee ballot applications; [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] B. Absentee ballot affidavits; [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] C. Signatures on petitions; and [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] D. Names appearing for write-in candidates on ballots. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 538, §2 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 752-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 752-A
21-A §752-A. Federal absentee ballot
Status: in_force

The federal write-in absentee ballot may be used in primary, general and special elections for state and federal offices by uniformed service voters or overseas voters who are qualified pursuant to section 751 . [PL 2003, c. 407, §22 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 672 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 672
21-A §672. Assistance
Status: in_force

A voter who is unable to read or mark the ballot because of physical disability, illiteracy or religious faith may request another person, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter's union, to assist the voter in reading the ballot or marking the ballot according to the voter's wishes. When assisting a voter, the aide may not tell the voter how to make the voter's choices or otherwise influence the voter in violation of section 682 . [PL 2007, c. 455, §30 (AMD).]

1. Assistance by election officials. The voter may request one or more election officials to assist. [PL 1985, c. 614, §18 (NEW).]

2. Assistance by persons not voters. The assistant need not be a voter or of voting age. [PL 1985, c. 614, §18 (NEW).]

3. Assistance in reading the ballot. [PL 2007, c. 455, §30 (RP).]
21-A M.R.S. § 331 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 331
21-A §331. Primary required
Status: in_force

1. Nomination by primary election. A party's nomination of a candidate must be made by primary election, as provided in this Article. When there is an office for which no candidate has qualified either by filing a petition and consent under sections 335 and 336 or as a write-in candidate in accordance with section 722‑A , the Secretary of State is not required to list the office on the primary ballot. The Secretary of State is not required to print a primary ballot if there are no offices for which a candidate has qualified. [PL 2015, c. 447, §8 (AMD).]

2. Exceptions. This Article does not apply to: A. Nominations for presidential electors; [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] B. Nominations to fill vacancies under subchapter III ; and [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] C. Nominations by petition under subchapter II . [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

3. Limitations to candidacy. The following limitations apply to all candidates for nominations. A. A person may not file, whether by primary election or nomination petition, as a candidate for more than one federal, state or county office at any election, except for a candidate for membership in a county charter commission or a candidate for presidential elector under section 351, subsection 3 . [PL 1997, c. 436, §47 (AMD).] B. A person may file as a candidate for any federal, state or county office either by primary election or nomination petition but not by both, except for a candidate for membership in a county charter commission under section 351, subsection 3 . [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 436, §47 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 112-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 112-A
21-A §112-A. Proof of identity for voting purposes
Status: in_force

Any of the following forms of documentation may be offered by an applicant and considered by a registrar in verifying the identity of an applicant who is registering to vote under this chapter and whose name does not already appear in the central voter registration system as a registered voter. The registrar need not request or consider all of these forms of documentation in order to verify an applicant's identity. [PL 2009, c. 253, §11 (NEW).]

1. Government-issued photograph identification document or credential. A government-issued photograph identification document or credential, including, but not limited to, a current and valid United States passport, military identification, driver's license, state identification or identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe; [PL 2021, c. 570, §1 (AMD).]

2. Other government-issued identification document. A government-issued identification document without a photograph, including, but not limited to, a certified birth certificate or a signed social security card; [PL 2009, c. 253, §11 (NEW).]

3. Other official documents. An official document, including, but not limited to, a document confirming eligibility determinations for public benefits, a utility bill, a bank statement, a government check, a paycheck or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter; [PL 2021, c. 246, §1 (AMD).]

3-A. Student photograph identification document. A student photograph identification document that is issued by a state-approved public or private school located in this State or that is issued by a duly authorized institution of higher learning that operates in this State; or [PL 2021, c. 246, §2 (NEW).]

4. Verified unique identifier for new voters. A verified unique identifier for new voters, including the voter's Maine driver's license number, Maine identification number or the last 4 digits of the voter's social security number that are successfully verified through the central voter registration system verification. [PL 2009, c. 253, §11 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1051 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 13 / Section 1051
21-A §1051. Application
Status: in_force

This subchapter applies to the activities of political action committees and ballot question committees organized in and outside this State that accept contributions, incur obligations or make expenditures to influence the nomination or election of a candidate to state, county or municipal office or to initiate or influence a campaign, as defined in this subchapter. [PL 2019, c. 323, §20 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 222 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 222
21-A §222. Rule-making authority
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State is authorized to adopt rules establishing an administrative procedure for handling complaints relating to compliance with the provisions of Title III of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 407, §16 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 161 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 161
21-A §161. Responsibilities of registrar
Status: in_force

1. List prepared. [PL 2005, c. 453, §32 (RP).]

2. List current. [PL 2005, c. 453, §32 (RP).]

2-A. Maintenance of voter registration information. The registrar in each municipality shall keep the central voter registration system current at all times for the voters in the registrar's municipality. The Secretary of State is authorized to conduct maintenance of the central voter registration system. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules for conducting voter list maintenance required by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . A registrar may not cancel a voter's registration in the central voter registration system solely because the registered voter did not vote in previous elections. A voter’s registration record in the central voter registration system must be cancelled by either the registrar for the voter’s municipality or by the Secretary of State as follows: A. When it is determined that a voter has registered to vote in another jurisdiction in the State, the voter registration record from the former jurisdiction must be cancelled; and [PL 2009, c. 370, §1 (NEW).] B. When it is determined that the voter has registered to vote in another jurisdiction outside of the State, the voter registration record in the State must be cancelled. [PL 2009, c. 370, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 131, §9 (AMD).]

2-B. Information sharing with other states. The Secretary of State shall contract with a nonprofit corporation of member states for periodic sharing of voter registration information, including information on names and addresses of voters in member states. The Secretary of State shall periodically update the central voter registration system based on the information obtained from the nonprofit corporation of member states. [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. UUUU, §1 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. UUUU, §7 (AFF).]

3. List of deceased residents. [PL 2005, c. 453, §32 (RP).]

4. Proof of qualification is requested. If the registrar is in doubt as to the qualifications of a person to vote, the registrar shall fix a reasonable time and place for a hearing and give written notice of the hearing to the voter at the last known address provided by the voter at least 20 days in advance. The voter must have the opportunity to testify and to present witnesses and other evidence at the hearing. The voter may respond in person or in writing with proof of qualifications prior to the date of the hearing. After the hearing, the registrar shall determine whether the voter has met the voting qualifications and shall act accordingly. If the voter offers satisfactory proof of qualifications to the registrar, either prior to or at the hearing, the registrar may not cancel the voter's registration in the central voter registration system. If the voter fails to offer satisfactory proof of qualifications to the registrar, either prior to or at the hearing, the registrar may cancel the voter's registration in the central voter registration system. If the voter fails to appear at the hearing and the registrar has proof that the voter does not meet the qualifications, the registrar may cancel the voter's registration in the central voter registration system. The registrar shall notify the voter, in writing, of the action taken and advise the voter of the appropriate appeal authority as specified in this Title. If the registrar decides to cancel the voter's registration in the central voter registration system after the hearing and a municipal or state election occurs before the cancelled voter has exhausted all appeals, then the voter remains in the central voter registration system for the election and may cast a challenged ballot. [PL 2007, c. 455, §9 (AMD).]

5. Record of names added and cancelled. The registrar shall keep a record of the names added to or the registrations cancelled in the central voter registration system and the date when the action was taken. [PL 2005, c. 453, §32 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 812 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 812
21-A §812. Requirements for machines
Status: in_force

A voting machine used in the conduct of state elections must meet the following requirements. [PL 2003, c. 651, §5 (AMD).]

1. Secrecy. It must be constructed so that each voter may vote in secrecy. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

2. Voting limited. It must permit a voter to vote once and only once for each candidate and each question for whom or on which that voter is entitled to vote. It must prevent a voter from voting for more persons for an office than there are offices to be filled. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §59 (COR).]

3. Write-in vote. It must permit a voter to vote for a write-in candidate. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

4. Form and content of ballot label. The titles of offices may be arranged horizontally with the names of candidates for an office arranged vertically under the title of the office, or the titles of offices may be arranged vertically with the names of candidates for an office arranged horizontally opposite the title of the office, or the titles of offices and the names of candidates for an office may be arranged in any horizontal and vertical combination as may be determined advisable by the Secretary of State. The names of candidates must be printed in the order provided by law and, in general elections, the party designation of each candidate, which may be abbreviated, must be printed following the candidate's name. If there are more candidates for an office than can be printed in one column or on one ballot page, the ballot label must be clearly marked that the list of candidates is continued on the following column or page and, so far as possible, the same number of names must be printed on each column or page. Arrows may be used to indicate the place to vote for each candidate and on each measure. [PL 1995, c. 459, §87 (AMD).]

4-A. Ballot labels for separate elections. [PL 2003, c. 651, §6 (RP).]

5. Voting restricted at primary. It must prevent a voter from voting for the nomination of candidates of more than one party at a primary election. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

6. Unauthorized voting prohibited. It must prevent a voter from voting for any office or upon any question for whom or on which that voter is not entitled to vote. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §60 (COR).]

7. Change of vote permitted. It must permit a voter to change or retract a vote that voter has attempted to cast for any person, or on any question, before that voter's vote has been completed and registered. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §61 (COR).]

8. Device for printing or photographing candidate or question counters. It may be provided with a device or devices for printing and photographing candidate and question counters which will provide a record before the polls open and after the polls close. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

9. Official approval required. It must be of an identical type approved by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

10. Paper audit trail. Except for an accessible voting system that must be provided by 2006 in compliance with the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 as provided in section 812‑A, subsection 1 , it must produce or employ permanent paper records of the votes cast that are able to be verified by individual voters before their votes are cast and that provide a manual audit capacity for the machine. In the case of direct recording electronic voting machines, those records must also identify the individual machines that produced them without revealing the identities of the voters who cast the ballots. In all cases, these records must be reviewed in the event of a recount and considered in conjunction with the machine-produced tally. [PL 2007, c. 455, §51 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 803 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 803
21-A §803. Duties of Governor
Status: in_force

1. Duties. Except when the National Popular Vote for President Act governs the appointment of presidential electors, as soon as possible after the presidential electors are chosen and not later than the date that is 6 days before the time fixed for the meeting of the electors under section 804 , the Governor shall send a certificate of ascertainment of appointment of electors to the Archivist of the United States. The certificate must state the names of the electors and the number of votes each candidate for President received statewide and for each congressional district in the final round of tabulation under section 723‑A . The Governor shall deliver 6 duplicate-original certificates to the electors before the day established by federal law for the meeting of electors. [PL 2025, c. 397, §50 (AMD).]

2. Duties when National Popular Vote for President Act governs. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , when the National Popular Vote for President Act governs the appointment of presidential electors, the Governor has the following duties. A. As soon as possible after the canvass of the presidential count under section 723‑A, subsection 7 is determined and not later than the date that is 6 days before the time fixed for the meeting of the electors under section 804 , the Governor shall send a certificate of ascertainment of appointment of electors containing the names of the electors and the statewide number of votes for each presidential slate that received votes in the final round to the Archivist of the United States. This final round vote is deemed to be the determination of the vote in the State for the purposes of section 1304 . As used in this paragraph, "final round" means the round that ends with the result described in section 723‑A, subsection 7, paragraph C , subparagraph (1). [PL 2025, c. 397, §50 (AMD).] B. No later than the day before the day established by federal law for the meeting of electors, the Governor shall deliver 6 duplicate-original certificates to the electors appointed as provided in the National Popular Vote for President Act. [PL 2025, c. 397, §50 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 397, §50 (AMD).]

3. Security features. All certificates of ascertainment of appointment of presidential electors issued under this section must bear the state seal and one additional security feature, as selected by the Secretary of State. [PL 2025, c. 397, §50 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 182 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 182
21-A §182. Forms and notices
Status: in_force

The design and contents of all application forms used for voter registration must be approved by the Secretary of State. [PL 1993, c. 695, §20 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 338 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 338
21-A §338. Write-in candidates
Status: in_force

A person whose name will not appear on the printed primary ballot because that person did not file a petition and consent under sections 335 and 336 , but who fulfills the other qualifications under section 334 , may be nominated at the primary election as a write-in candidate in accordance with section 723, subsection 1 . [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §44 (COR).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1055-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 13 / Section 1055-A
21-A §1055-A. Political public communications to influence a ballot question
Status: in_force

1. Public communications to influence ballot question elections. Whenever a person makes an expenditure exceeding $500 for a public communication expressly advocating for or against an initiative or referendum that is on the ballot, the public communication must clearly and conspicuously state the name and address of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the public communication, except that telephone calls must clearly state only the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the public communication. A digital public communication, including the transmission of text messages with the assistance of mass distribution technology, costing more than $500 that expressly advocates for or against an initiative or referendum or that includes a link to a publicly accessible website containing express advocacy must clearly and conspicuously state the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure, unless the digital communication is excluded under subsection 2 . A website established by a person required to register as a ballot question committee expressly advocating for or against an initiative or referendum must clearly and conspicuously state the name and address of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the website. Telephone surveys that meet generally accepted standards for polling research and that are not conducted for the purpose of influencing the voting position of call recipients are not required to include the disclosure. [PL 2025, c. 224, §22 (AMD).]

2. Exceptions. The following forms of political public communication do not require the name and address of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the public communication because the name or address would be so small as to be illegible or infeasible: clothing, envelopes and stationery, small promotional items, tickets to fundraisers and electronic media advertisements where compliance with this section would be impracticable due to size or character limitations and similar items determined by the commission to be too small and unnecessary for the disclosures required by this section. "Small promotional items" includes but is not limited to ashtrays, badges and badge holders, balloons, campaign buttons, coasters, combs, emery boards, erasers, glasses, key rings, letter openers, matchbooks, nail files, noisemakers, paper and plastic cups, pencils, pens, plastic tableware, 12-inch or shorter rulers and swizzle sticks. [PL 2025, c. 224, §23 (AMD).]

3. Enforcement. A violation of this section may result in a penalty of no more than $5,000. In assessing a penalty, the commission shall consider, among other things, how widely the communication was disseminated, whether the violation was intentional, whether the violation occurred as the result of an error by a printer or other paid vendor and whether the communication conceals or misrepresents the identity of the person who financed it. [PL 2019, c. 323, §22 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1063 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 13 / Section 1063
21-A §1063. Constitutional officers and State Auditor
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State, the Treasurer of State, the Attorney General, the State Auditor, or any individual running for these offices, may not form a political action committee or be involved in decision making for or solicit contributions to a political action committee. [PL 1995, c. 167, §2 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 778 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 778
21-A §778. Duty of registrar
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application under section 777‑A , the registrar or the Secretary of State in consultation with the registrar shall register the applicant, unless it appears that the applicant is not qualified. If the applicant is not qualified, the registrar or the Secretary of State shall notify the applicant of the reason for rejection of the application. [PL 2009, c. 563, §4 (AMD).]

1. Member specially designated. The registrar or the Secretary of State shall designate a uniformed service voter in the central voter registration system with the letter "S". [PL 2009, c. 563, §4 (AMD).]

2. Overseas voter specially designated. The registrar or the Secretary of State shall designate an overseas voter in the central voter registration system with the letter "O". [PL 2009, c. 563, §4 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 235 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 235
21-A §235. Protection against liability of individuals on basis of information transferred; false information
Status: in_force

1. No individual liability for error by State. If an individual who is ineligible to vote becomes a registered voter pursuant to this subchapter, that individual's registration is deemed to be the fault of the State and not attributable to or the fault of the individual. [PL 2019, c. 409, §6 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 409, §9 (AFF).]

2. Providing false information. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , an individual who knowingly and willfully provides false information under this subchapter is subject to prosecution pursuant to Title 17‑A, section 452 . [PL 2019, c. 409, §6 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 409, §9 (AFF).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1306 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 17 / Section 1306
21-A §1306. Definitions - Article 5
Status: in_force

As used in this agreement, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

1. Chief election official. "Chief election official" means the state official or body that is authorized to certify the total number of popular votes for each presidential slate. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

2. Chief executive. "Chief executive" means the governor of a state of the United States or the Mayor of the District of Columbia. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

3. Elector slate. "Elector slate" means a slate of candidates who have been nominated in a state for the position of presidential elector in association with a presidential slate. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

4. Presidential elector. "Presidential elector" means an elector for President and Vice President of the United States. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

5. Presidential elector certifying official. "Presidential elector certifying official" means the state official or body that is authorized to certify the appointment of the state's presidential electors. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

6. Presidential slate. "Presidential slate" means a slate of 2 persons, the first of whom has been nominated as a candidate for President of the United States and the 2nd of whom has been nominated as a candidate for Vice President of the United States, or any legal successors to such persons, regardless of whether both names appear on the ballot presented to the voters in a particular state. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

7. State. "State" means a state of the United States and the District of Columbia. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]

8. Statewide popular election. "Statewide popular election" means a general election in which votes are cast for presidential slates by individual voters and counted on a statewide basis. [PL 2023, c. 628, §9 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 825 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 825
21-A §825. Activation of machines
Status: in_force

The voting machines shall be activated by the warden or an election clerk designated by him. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Primary election. In a primary election, the warden or, in the warden's absence, a designated election clerk must activate each voting machine so that a voter can vote only for the candidates of the political party in which the voter is enrolled. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §67 (COR).]
21-A M.R.S. § 141 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 141
21-A §141. Enrollment
Status: in_force

When a person registers, the registrar shall ask whether or not the person wishes to enroll in a political party. If the answer is in the affirmative, the registrar shall ask in which party the person wishes to enroll. If the answer is in the negative, the registrar shall note on the enrollment portion of the application that the person chose not to enroll in a political party. Nothing in this section may be construed to require a person to enroll in a political party. [PL 1989, c. 313, §2 (AMD).]

1. Influence prohibited. The registrar may not attempt to influence an applicant in any aspect of the enrollment procedure and may not allow anyone else present to do so. [PL 2009, c. 538, §5 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 765 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 765
21-A §765. Absentee ballot tracking
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall establish and maintain an online service that allows a voter who requests an absentee ballot to track the status of the absentee ballot process. [PL 2021, c. 273, §28 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 801 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 801
21-A §801. Election
Status: in_force

In a presidential election year, the presidential electors shall be chosen at the general election. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Vote for presidential candidate construed. A vote for the candidate for President is a vote for the presidential electors nominated by the candidate's political party or by petition or designated by a write-in candidate under section 722‑A, subsection 2 . [PL 2025, c. 397, §49 (AMD).]

2. Counting of ballots. Counting of ballots for candidates for President must proceed according to the ranked‑choice method of counting votes described in section 723‑A , with the exception of subsection 7 . If the National Popular Vote for President Act governs the manner of appointing presidential electors, counting of ballots must proceed according to the ranked-choice method of counting votes as described in section 723‑A, subsection 7 . [PL 2023, c. 628, §5 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 362-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 362-A
21-A §362-A. Secretary of State declares vacancy
Status: in_force

When required by this subchapter, the Secretary of State shall declare a vacancy and notify the appropriate political committee of the deadline for filling the vacancy. [PL 2007, c. 515, §4 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 721 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 721
21-A §721. Reports of registration and enrollment
Status: in_force

Within 15 business days after any statewide election, the registrar shall update all information in the central voter registration system for all voters in the municipality to reflect any voter registration activity after the incoming voting list was printed for that election and up until the close of the polls on election day. The registrar shall also enter any designations of challenged ballots in the applicable voter records in the central voter registration system. The registrar shall notify the Secretary of State as soon as these tasks are complete. [PL 2015, c. 447, §25 (AMD).]

After the registrar has completed the update of the central voter registration system, as required by this section, and no later than 45 business days after the election, unless a recount has been requested pursuant to section 737‑A , the clerk shall update the central voter registration system by entering voter participation history for that election and, if the election was a primary election, by identifying which party's ballot, if any, was issued to each participating unenrolled voter. The clerk shall notify the Secretary of State as soon as this task is completed. [PL 2021, c. 750, §10 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 750, §14 (AFF).]

In a municipality in which a recount has been requested pursuant to section 737‑A , the clerk shall update the central voter registration system by entering voter participation history for that election and, if the election was a primary election, by identifying which party's ballot, if any, was issued to each participating unenrolled voter within 20 business days after receiving the incoming voting list that has been returned by the Secretary of State after the recount. The clerk shall notify the Secretary of State as soon as this task is completed. [PL 2021, c. 750, §10 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 750, §14 (AFF).]
21-A M.R.S. § 376 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 376
21-A §376. Production of new ballots
Status: in_force

1. Federal or gubernatorial office. [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (RP).]

1-A. Removal of candidate's name from ballots. The Secretary of State shall remove a candidate's name from the ballot if the candidate withdraws for any reason 70 days or more before any primary or general election. [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (NEW).]

2. Production of new ballots listing replacement candidate. The Secretary of State shall produce new ballots listing a replacement candidate if: A. A vacancy is declared under section 371, subsection 3 or section 374‑A, subsection 1, paragraph B or C , a replacement candidate is selected in accordance with sections 363 and 365 and a notification is filed with the Secretary of State by the committee of the political party that selected the replacement candidate no later than 60 days before the election; or [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (NEW).] B. A vacancy is declared under section 374‑A, subsection 1, paragraph A , a replacement candidate is selected in accordance with sections 363 and 365 and a notification is filed with the Secretary of State by the committee of the political party that selected the replacement candidate before the deadline established in section 374‑A, subsection 2, paragraph A . [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (AMD).]

2-A. Procedure when replacement candidates selected less than 60 days before the election. If a candidate for an office withdraws in accordance with section 371, subsection 3 or section 374‑A, subsection 1, paragraph B or C , a replacement candidate is selected in accordance with sections 363 and 365 and a notification is filed with the Secretary of State by the appropriate committee of the political party making the nomination less than 60 days before the election, the Secretary of State must amend or supplement the ballots in accordance with section 604 . [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (NEW).]

3. List of candidates. The Secretary of State shall maintain and periodically update a list of all names to be placed on the ballot for the primary or general election. [PL 2019, c. 636, §11 (AMD).]

4. Last day for withdrawal. [PL 1989, c. 341, §3 (RP).]
21-A M.R.S. § 305 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 305
21-A §305. Secretary of State
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall determine whether or not a party has met the requirements of sections 301 , 302 and 303 . [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 652 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 652
21-A §652. Certified incoming voting list and official ballot box
Status: in_force

The certified copies of the incoming voting list provided by the registrar and official ballot boxes must be used exclusively at each voting place. If it becomes impossible to use the official ballot box, the warden shall direct the method by which voting is to proceed. The warden shall record the reason why the ballot box was not used and shall place an attested copy of this record in the package with the ballots cast. [PL 2005, c. 453, §53 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 127 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 127
21-A §127. Persons present at time for closing registrations
Status: in_force

The registrar shall allow all persons to register who are present at the registrar's office at closing time. [PL 1991, c. 466, §5 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 851 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 851
21-A §851. Preparation for elections
Status: in_force

The municipal clerk shall perform the following duties in preparing for an election. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Ballots and supplies. The municipal clerk shall have the electronic tabulating devices prepared for the election and shall deliver the tabulating devices, voting booths, tamper-proof ballot boxes, ballots, secrecy ballot envelopes, marking devices and other records and supplies as required to conform with the tabulating system in use and applicable laws. [PL 1995, c. 459, §102 (AMD).]

2. Ballot cards. [PL 1995, c. 459, §103 (RP).]

3. Write-in ballots. [PL 1995, c. 459, §103 (RP).]

4. Voting booths. [PL 1995, c. 459, §103 (RP).]
21-A M.R.S. § 631-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 631-A
21-A §631-A. Voting places
Status: in_force

1. Establishing suitable voting places. If the municipal officers determine that there is no building within a voting district that is suitable for a voting place, as described in section 627 , the municipal officers may, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, establish a voting place outside the voting district in a suitable building that is as close as possible to the voting district and as convenient as possible to the voters of the voting district. [PL 2007, c. 455, §28 (NEW).]

2. Consolidating voting places. The municipal officers may, after public notice and hearing held at least 90 days before an election, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, consolidate voting places so that more than one voting district votes in the same voting place. When voting places are consolidated under this process, the voters from the different voting districts may vote in the same or separate guardrail enclosures in the building. [PL 2007, c. 455, §28 (NEW).]

3. Change of voting place. If the municipal officers wish to change the location of a voting place, they must apply to the Secretary of State at least 60 days before the next statewide election, unless an emergency exists. The Secretary of State shall design the application form. The Secretary of State must approve the application before the voting place may be changed. [PL 2011, c. 342, §21 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 159 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 159
21-A §159. Violations and penalties
Status: in_force

1. False statement or false oath. A person who makes a false statement or who takes a false oath before an official concerning the qualifications of any person for registration or enrollment and who does not believe the statement to be true commits a Class D crime. [PL 1993, c. 473, §7 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF).]

2. Dual registration. A person who, having registered in one voting district or municipality within this State, or in another state, knowingly registers in another voting district or municipality within this State without revealing that person's prior registration to the registrar is guilty of a Class D crime. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §38 (COR).]
21-A M.R.S. § 153-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 153-A
21-A §153-A. Alternative registration procedure for voters with disabilities
Status: in_force

1. Alternative application for voter who is unable to sign. An applicant who is unable to sign that applicant's name because of a physical disability may use a signature stamp or authorize another person to sign on behalf of the applicant on an application to register to vote or to enroll or make any changes to the applicant's voter registration status, as provided by this Title. The individual assisting the applicant shall prepare and sign the registration application or form, along with an alternative registration signature statement, at the applicant's direction, in the presence of the applicant and one corroborating witness. The individual assisting the applicant and the corroborating witness must be registered to vote in the State, but neither may be a candidate, the applicant's employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of the applicant's union. The alternative registration signature statement form must be designed by the Secretary of State and must indicate that: A. The applicant is unable to sign the applicant's name because of a physical disability; [PL 2005, c. 196, §3 (NEW).] B. The applicant meets all the qualifications to become a registered voter in the State or to make the requested changes to the voter's registration; and [PL 2005, c. 196, §3 (NEW).] C. The information supplied on the form concerning the applicant is true. [PL 2005, c. 196, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 196, §3 (NEW).]

2. Alternative application for voter who becomes unable to sign after being registered. A voter who becomes unable to sign that voter's name because of a physical disability after being registered to vote and who wishes to change the voter's registration or enrollment status may do so by using a signature stamp or by authorizing another registered voter to sign on the voter's behalf if the voter files with the voter registration application or form an alternative registration signature statement prepared in accordance with subsection 1 . [PL 2005, c. 196, §3 (NEW).]

3. Signing petitions. Once an alternative registration signature statement is on file with the registrar, the voter may authorize any other Maine-registered voter to sign candidate petitions, direct initiative of legislation petitions, people's veto petitions and any Maine Clean Election Act forms requiring a voter's signature in the presence and at the direction of the voter, except that the individual assisting the voter may not be a candidate, the circulator of the petition or form, the voter's employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of the voter's union. In addition to using the voter's signature stamp or signing for the voter, the individual assisting the voter must print and sign the individual's own name and residence address on the petition or form and attest that the individual is signing on the voter's behalf. This method of signing satisfies the requirements in this Title that voters personally sign candidate petitions. This method of signing also satisfies the requirements of the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 20 that petitions for the direct initiative of legislation and people's veto petitions contain the original signatures of the petitioners. [PL 2021, c. 273, §2 (AMD).]

4. Registrar assistance. An applicant or voter described in subsection 1 or 2 who does not have another registered voter available to assist the applicant or voter may request the registrar to provide that assistance. If the applicant or voter is unable to appear at the office of the registrar, the registrar shall visit the individual to provide that assistance, upon request and with reasonable notice. The municipality shall pay the registrar travel expenses at the same rate paid other municipal employees. [PL 2005, c. 196, §3 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 812-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 812-A
21-A §812-A. Accessible voting system
Status: in_force

1. Accessible voting system at each voting place. The Secretary of State, in compliance with the voting accessibility requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002, shall provide one direct recording electronic voting machine, or other accessible voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities, for use at each voting place used in the conduct of state elections. Such machines must produce permanent paper records that provide a manual audit capacity for the machines and must also provide voters with audio functions that enable the voters to verify their ballots aurally before the votes are cast, and all such machines must meet the requirements of section 812, subsection 10 unless the Secretary of State is unable to procure machines that the Secretary of State determines are adequate to meet the requirements of this section and section 812 in time to comply with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Additional accessible voting machines may be used in the conduct of state elections, but those machines must meet the requirements set forth in section 812 . [PL 2025, c. 397, §53 (AMD).]

2. Moratorium. [PL 2003, c. 651, §8 (NEW); MRSA T. 21-A §812-A, sub-§2 (RP).]

3. Accessible feature for casting write-in vote. As an accommodation for persons with disabilities, the audio ballot for the accessible voting system under subsection 1 may be programmed to provide an aural presentation of the names of any declared write-in candidates at the end of the list of candidates whose names were listed on the printed ballot so that the voter may cast a vote for a declared write-in candidate in the same manner as voting for a listed candidate. If there is no declared write-in candidate for an office, the audio ballot may provide aural instructions to that effect. [PL 2009, c. 253, §53 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 631 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 631
21-A §631. Voting districts
Status: in_force

A municipality may be divided into voting districts as follows. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Procedure. The municipal officers may divide a town or ward into convenient voting districts after public notice and hearing held at least 90 days before an election. After the hearing, the municipal officers shall prepare a certificate defining the limits of each district. The municipal officers shall file the certificate with the clerk who shall record it. The clerk shall immediately file an attested copy of the certificate with the Secretary of State. The clerk shall post an attested copy of the certificate in a conspicuous, public place in the town or ward, and shall publish it in at least one newspaper having general circulation in the municipality at least 30 days before election day. Voting districts, once established, may be consolidated into a lesser number of districts by following the same procedure. Voting districts may be established or consolidated under this section for all or only certain classes of elections. [PL 2007, c. 455, §27 (AMD).]

2. Division terminates office. The division of a town or ward terminates the office of election officials previously elected or appointed from it. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

3. Appointment of wardens and ward clerks. At least 10 days before the election, the municipal officers shall appoint a warden, a ward clerk in a city and at least 2 election clerks for each voting place created by the division. Election clerks must be nominated as provided in section 503‑A . [PL 2019, c. 64, §3 (AMD).]

4. Officials sworn. Before assuming the duties of office, the officials appointed under this section must be sworn by the clerk who shall record the fact of their having been sworn. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

5. Term and duties. The appointed election officials shall perform the same duties at elections as those regularly chosen and shall hold office for the same term. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

6. Voting districts. Voting districts are defined as wards that may be further divided into precincts. [PL 1995, c. 459, §54 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 723 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 723
21-A §723. Determination of election
Status: in_force

The determination of an election or referendum question is governed by the following provisions. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Primary election. In a primary election, the person who receives a plurality of the votes cast for nomination to any office, as long as there is at least one vote cast for that office, is nominated for that office, except for write-in candidates under paragraph A and elections determined by ranked‑choice voting under section 723‑A . A. A write-in candidate who complies with section 722‑A and who fulfills the other qualifications under section 334 may be nominated at the primary election if that person receives a number of valid write-in votes equal to at least twice the minimum number of signatures required under section 335, subsection 5 on a primary petition for a candidate for that office. [PL 2017, c. 248, §5 (AMD).] B. The Secretary of State shall immediately certify by mail the nomination of each person nominated by the primary election. [PL 1985, c. 161, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 320, §8 (AMD).]

2. Other elections. In any other election except for those determined by ranked-choice voting, the person who receives a plurality of the votes cast for election to any office, as long as there is at least one vote cast for that office, is elected to that office, except that a write-in candidate must also comply with section 722‑A . [PL 2017, c. 316, §7 (AMD).]

3. More than one vacancy. In any election, if there is more than one vacancy in an office, as many persons are nominated or elected as there are vacancies to be filled in decreasing order of the plurality of votes received by them. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

4. Referendum question. A referendum question is determined by majority vote. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 393 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 393
21-A §393. Presidential electors
Status: in_force

Except as provided in section 804 , when there is a vacancy in the office of presidential elector, the Secretary of State shall declare the vacancy under section 362‑A and notify the appropriate state committee of the deadline for choosing a qualified person to fill the vacancy. The procedure outlined in section 363 must be followed. [PL 2001, c. 310, §25 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 1016-A — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 13 / Section 1016-A
21-A §1016-A. Duties and liability of the candidate and treasurer
Status: in_force

1. Keeping required records. The candidate or treasurer shall keep records of contributions and expenditures as required by section 1016 , chapter 14 and the commission's rules. If the candidate keeps the records, the candidate shall provide the treasurer or deputy treasurer with access to the records for the purpose of filing complete and accurate campaign finance reports. The candidate and treasurer are jointly responsible for ensuring that the campaign keeps all records required by law. [PL 2013, c. 334, §9 (NEW).]

2. Filing campaign finance reports. The treasurer shall file complete and accurate campaign finance reports as required by section 1017 . The treasurer may delegate the filing of the reports to the deputy treasurer. [PL 2013, c. 334, §9 (NEW).]

3. Liability for violations. The commission may hold the candidate and treasurer jointly and severally liable for any penalties assessed for violations of the financial reporting or record-keeping requirements of this chapter, chapter 14 and the commission's rules. If the deputy treasurer files reports for the campaign, the commission may hold the deputy treasurer jointly and severally liable for any penalties related to reports filed by the deputy treasurer. [PL 2013, c. 334, §9 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 130 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 130
21-A §130. Applications for voter registration
Status: in_force

A person who completes a written or online voter registration application, as provided in section 152 , may submit the application online, mail the application or have the application delivered to the registrar in the person's municipality of residence before the deadline for online, mail or 3rd-person registrations in section 121‑A , to be entered into the central voter registration system and placed on the incoming voting list prior to the next election; except that applications completed under section 122, subsection 5 may be delivered during the closed period for immediate placement on the incoming voting list. A voter registration application transmitted by the Department of the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles pursuant to section 232 or by a source agency other than the Bureau of Motor Vehicles pursuant to section 233 to the appropriate registrar's office before the deadline in section 121‑A must be entered into the central voter registration system and placed on the incoming voting list prior to the next election. [PL 2023, c. 291, §3 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 291, §4 (AFF).]
21-A M.R.S. § 233 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 3 / Section 233
21-A §233. Automatic registration by source agencies other than the bureau
Status: in_force

1. Designation of source agencies. The Secretary of State may designate a state agency or department as a source agency if the Secretary of State verifies that the agency or department, as part of the normal course of business of that agency or department, collects documents that provide proof of voter eligibility. The Secretary of State may designate as source agencies other entities designated by Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, 52 United States Code, Section 20506, including, but not limited to, public or private universities or colleges or entities that provide services to persons with disabilities, as long as those entities, as part of the entities' normal course of business, collect documents that provide proof of voter eligibility. [PL 2019, c. 409, §6 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 409, §9 (AFF).]

2. Automatic registration. An agency designated as a source agency pursuant to this section shall follow the procedures established by the Secretary of State by rule for automatic voter registration. Those procedures, to the extent possible, must be the same as the procedures for automatic voter registration by the bureau under section 232 . [PL 2019, c. 409, §6 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 409, §9 (AFF).]
21-A M.R.S. § 757 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 757
21-A §757. Challenges
Status: in_force

An absentee ballot may be challenged the same as a regular ballot under section 673 . [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 632 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 632
21-A §632. Separate voting places; reimbursement of election expense
Status: in_force

1. Voting places in unorganized townships. The procedure for establishing a voting place in unorganized townships is as follows. A. The commissioners of each county may provide or contract with a municipality to provide a voting place in any unorganized township in their county, for all state and national elections, including primary elections, where all residents of unorganized places entitled to vote in municipalities near the township, under section 156 , may cast their ballots under conditions provided in this section. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] B. The registrar of the contracting municipality shall designate the voters as township voters, pursuant to section 156 , in the central voter registration system and shall include their names on the incoming voting list for the contracting municipality. [PL 2005, c. 453, §52 (AMD).] C. The conduct of elections at that voting place shall be the same as in municipalities and all provisions of the Revised Statutes with respect to voting districts are applicable to that voting place. The powers and duties of the municipal officers in such case are conferred upon the commissioners or the municipal officers of the contracting municipality. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] D. Upon receipt of a petition signed by at least 10 persons qualified to vote under section 156 , the commissioners shall provide or contract with a municipality to provide a voting place in the unorganized township provided in the petition. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 453, §52 (AMD).]

2. Reimbursement of election expense. The county commissioners shall reimburse the municipality for those expenses incurred in the conduct of elections held under this section. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

3. Notice to Secretary of State. The county commissioners shall notify the Secretary of State of all unorganized territories for which voting places are contracted or provided. They shall also notify the Secretary of State of those unorganized territories for which provision of voting places has been discontinued. Notification must be made at least 120 days before the election in which it will be effective. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 827 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 827
21-A §827. Procedure after election
Status: in_force

The following procedure shall be observed after an election at which voting machines are used. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Keys sealed in envelope. In the presence of an election clerk from a political party other than that of the warden, the warden shall enclose the keys to each voting machine in separate envelopes furnished by the municipal clerk. The warden shall write the number of each machine, the location of the voting place in which it was used, the number on the seal and the numbers registered on the public counter on the outside of each envelope. [PL 2009, c. 253, §56 (AMD).]

2. Envelopes signed. After sealing each envelope securely, the warden and the election clerk shall sign their names on it and the warden shall have it immediately returned to the municipal clerk. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

3. Counter totals preserved. The totals shown on the counters of a voting machine must be retained for 22 months after the election at which the machine is used. A. If the occurrence of another election requires the removal of the counter totals within 22 months after an election, the municipal clerk must have them photographed in the municipal clerk's presence and in the presence of the warden and an election clerk of a party other than that of the warden. The warden must make a statement showing the number and counter totals of each machine as it is photographed. The warden must sign the statement, have it attested and deliver it to the municipal clerk who shall record it. As soon as the photographs are printed legibly, the municipal clerk shall remove the totals and retain the photographs for the balance of the 22-month period. If the machines were equipped with a device or devices that had produced a printed or photographed record of the vote shown on the candidate and question counters, the municipal clerk shall remove the totals and retain the printed or photographed record for the balance of the 22-month period. Notwithstanding the requirements of this paragraph, counter totals for municipal elections conducted under this Title, referenda elections or special legislative elections must be kept for 2 months. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §70 (COR).] [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §70 (COR).]
21-A M.R.S. § 822 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 822
21-A §822. Preparation for voting
Status: in_force

When it is time for the polls to open, the warden shall open the envelope containing the keys to the voting machines in the presence of an election clerk from a political party other than that of the warden. The warden shall ensure that the correct ballot labels were delivered by comparing them with the sample ballot. [PL 1997, c. 436, §117 (AMD).]

1. Counters exposed. If the number on the seal agrees with the number on the envelope, the warden shall open the doors concealing the counters, inspect the machine and sign a certificate provided by the Secretary of State showing that all counters are set at "000," that the number of the public counter agrees with the number on the envelope and that all parts of the machine and the ballot labels are in proper condition for voting. A. If the machine is provided with a device or devices for printing or photographing candidate and question counters, it is not necessary to open the door concealing the counters. The warden and the election clerk shall proceed to operate the mechanism provided to produce one "before election inspection record" showing whether the candidate and question counters register "000" and sign the certificate as prescribed by the Secretary of State. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 253, §54 (AMD).]

2. Machine satisfactory. If the machine is in satisfactory condition for voting, the warden shall immediately permit its use, after closing the doors concealing the counters. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
21-A M.R.S. § 607 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 607
21-A §607. Official ballot box
Status: in_force

An official ballot box is governed by the following provisions. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

1. Furnished by Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall furnish or approve an official ballot box for each voting district. [PL 2019, c. 371, §16 (AMD).]

2. Described. The boxes must be of uniform design in municipalities that use the same system of tabulation. Each box must be equipped with a suitable method of securing the ballots against tampering, as approved by the Secretary of State. The box must have an opening large enough to allow voters to deposit ballots but not large enough to allow an unauthorized person to touch or remove the ballots. In a municipality that counts ballots by hand, the box must be large enough to receive the ballots deposited in it at any election. [PL 2019, c. 371, §16 (AMD).]

3. Municipality may provide. A municipality may provide ballot boxes at its own expense. Each box may contain a mechanical device for counting and endorsing the ballots deposited in it but it may not be equipped to record any distinguishing mark or number on a ballot. Each box must meet the requirements of this section. Once approved by the Secretary of State, each box becomes an official ballot box. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

4. Official ballot box required. Only an official ballot box may be used to receive official ballots cast at any election. [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]

5. Separate ballot box for constitutional amendments and referenda. A municipality having 5,000 or more inhabitants, except where the municipality uses voting machines or electronic voting systems, shall, and a municipality with fewer inhabitants may, by vote of its municipal officers, use separate ballot boxes at elections for the deposit of votes on constitutional amendments and referenda. The municipal officers must notify the Secretary of State of this action before the date of the election at which the separate ballot boxes are to be used. These ballot boxes are subject to all the provisions relating to official ballot boxes under this section. [PL 1997, c. 436, §81 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 311 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 5 / Section 311
21-A §311. Rules governing
Status: in_force

A biennial municipal caucus may be held by any political party for the purpose of electing delegates to a state convention and for any other business governed by the following provisions. [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).]

1. Call and location of caucus. The caucus may be called by the chair or a majority of the members of the municipal committee of a political party. If the municipal committee fails to call a caucus, the county committee may call the caucus. At the request of the municipal committee, municipal officers shall provide available space in a public building for a caucus. The municipality may charge a rental fee or janitorial service fee for the available space. A municipal committee may hold its caucus remotely using a conference system that may include telephonic or video technology allowing simultaneous reception of information and may include other means. A municipal committee may hold its caucus outside the municipality if several municipalities elect to meet on a consolidated basis or if the committee calling the caucus determines that a facility outside the municipality is more suitable. [PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).]

2. Time. A biennial municipal caucus of any party must be held during the general election year before March 20th. [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).]

3. Notice. The secretary of the committee shall have a notice of the caucus published in a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality at least 3 and not more than 7 days before it is to be held, or shall post a notice in a conspicuous, public place in each voting district in the municipality at least 7 days before the caucus. The notice must contain the name of the party, the time and place of the caucus and the name of the person calling it. A. If the notice is not published as required by this subsection, the caucus is void if challenged by any voter eligible to participate in the caucus who was prejudiced by the failure to publish notice. [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).] B. The secretary of the committee shall file a copy of the notice with the clerk who shall record it. [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).]

4. Procedure. The chair of the municipal committee shall open the caucus. In the chair's absence, the secretary or any resident voter enrolled in the party may open the caucus. The caucus shall elect a secretary and a chair in that order. The chair of the caucus shall then preside over the caucus and the secretary shall record the proceeding of the caucus. The caucus shall determine its own parliamentary procedure. [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).]

5. If no municipal committee. If there is no municipal committee, any resident voter enrolled in the party may call a special caucus for the purpose of electing the committee following the notice procedure of subsection 3 . [PL 2005, c. 387, §3 (AMD).]
21-A M.R.S. § 829 — ME Code / Title 21-A / Chapter 9 / Section 829
21-A §829. Violation and penalty
Status: in_force

1. Altering voting machine. A person may not alter, adjust, operate, move, unlock or unseal a voting machine or any part of a voting machine with the intent of changing the outcome of any election. [PL 2003, c. 447, §34 (NEW).]

2. Attempting to alter voting machine. A person may not attempt to alter, adjust, operate, move, unlock or unseal a voting machine or any part of a voting machine with the intent of changing the outcome of an election. [PL 2003, c. 447, §34 (NEW).]

3. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class B crime. [PL 2003, c. 447, §34 (NEW).]