reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §604. Emergency ballot procedure

§604. Emergency ballot procedure
In an emergency as described in subsection 2, the Secretary of State may prepare new ballots, direct that ballots already printed be amended or supplemented in accordance with subsection 1 or 1‑A or authorize any clerk to procure ballots from another municipality or voting district.   [PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (AMD).]
1.  Ballots amended.
Ballots already printed may be amended by having corrective stickers added, or by some other means, as directed by the Secretary of State.
[PL 1997, c. 436, §78 (AMD).]
1-A.  Supplemental notice.
The Secretary of State may prepare and distribute to the local election officials in the candidate's electoral district a notice to supplement ballots already printed. The notice may correct an error on the ballot or provide information on a replacement candidate and how voters may vote for the replacement candidate. The notice must be distributed with all absentee ballots issued after the date that the notice is provided to the clerk and, on election day, must be posted outside the guardrail enclosure in accordance with section 651, subsection 2 and in each voting booth.
[PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (NEW).]
2.  Emergency described.
An emergency may exist as follows:
A. If there is a shortage of ballots;   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
B. If the ballots are not delivered in time for the election;   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
C. If the ballots are missing, defaced or destroyed;   [PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (AMD).]
D. If the Secretary of State receives notification of a replacement candidate to fill a vacancy less than 60 days before the election in accordance with section 376, subsection 2‑A; or   [PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (AMD).]
E. If the ballots contain an error.   [PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (NEW).]
[PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (AMD).]
3.  Replacement candidate to fill vacancy.
When a candidate is chosen to fill a vacancy, the Secretary of State and the clerk of each interested municipality shall perform the duties required by this section as promptly as possible.
[PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §40 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §78 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 636, §12 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §604-A. Flexibility for combining election ballots

§604-A. Flexibility for combining election ballots
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Title, the Secretary of State may make suitable arrangement for the printing of candidate, referendum and municipal election ballots on a single ballot or ballot card used in conjunction with electronic voting systems or for the printing of candidate and referendum ballots on a single ballot for paper ballot voting systems. The Secretary of State may only allow such a combination if the Secretary of State finds that it is in the interest of the election process and that it will not contribute to voter confusion or unreasonable administrative difficulties.   [PL 1997, c. 436, §79 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1987, c. 188, §5 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 436, §79 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §605. Instructions (REPEALED)

§605. Instructions
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 473, §17 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF). PL 2001, c. 310, §32 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 516, §6 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 455, §22 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 342, §14 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §607. Official ballot box

§607. Official ballot box
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 436, §81 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 371, §16 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §608. Field examiner

§608. Field examiner
The Secretary of State may appoint a field examiner who shall instruct and assist municipal election officials in their administration of this Title.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §609. Ballot security materials

§609. Ballot security materials
The Secretary of State shall furnish each municipality with tamper-proof ballot security containers that are equipped with a suitable method of securing the ballots against tampering, which must be used for securing used ballots and other election materials for statewide elections conducted under this Title. If a state-supplied container or security mechanism becomes defective, lost or destroyed, the clerk must apply in writing to the Secretary of State for a replacement. The Secretary of State shall supply or approve a replacement at the expense of the municipality. If a municipality wishes to use a tamper‑proof ballot security container to seal municipal election ballots and materials, that municipality must obtain the container and security mechanism at its own expense.   [PL 2019, c. 371, §17 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2011, c. 342, §17 (NEW). PL 2019, c. 371, §17 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §621. Announcing an election (REPEALED)

§621. Announcing an election
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1991, c. 837, §A46 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 862, §5 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 459, §46 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §82 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §621-A. Announcing an election

§621-A. Announcing an election
The Secretary of State shall send a notice of election to the municipal clerk, who shall announce the election as follows.   [PL 1997, c. 436, §83 (NEW).]
1.  Notice posted.
The clerk shall post or have posted a notice of election, attested by the clerk, in a conspicuous public place in each voting district in the municipality at least 7 days immediately before election day and at each voting place on election day.
[PL 2003, c. 584, §7 (AMD).]
2.  Notice recorded.
The clerk shall record a copy of the notice along with the times and places of posting.
[PL 1997, c. 436, §83 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1997, c. 436, §83 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 584, §7 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §622. Warrant (REPEALED)

§622. Warrant
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 614, §16 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 819, §§A22,23 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 459, §47 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §84 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §622-A. Notice of election

§622-A. Notice of election
The notice of election must contain the following items: a heading that states "Notice of Election" in bold type, the day, date and title of the election, the voting district designation, if any, the name and location of the voting place, the opening and closing times of the polls and a list of the offices and referendum questions for that election. The clerk may add times for processing absentee ballots pursuant to section 759, subsection 7.   [PL 1997, c. 436, §85 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1997, c. 436, §85 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §623. Officer's return on warrant (REPEALED)

§623. Officer's return on warrant
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §48 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §86 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §624. Incoming voting lists; voter lists

§624. Incoming voting lists; voter lists
1.  Posting of.
The registrar shall post a certified copy of a current voter list for each voting district at the usual voting place in that district before the polls are opened on election day. The voter list produced for purposes of this subsection must include the following information for each voter and may not include any other information: name; residence address; enrollment status; electoral district; voter status, active or inactive; voter record number; and any special designations indicating uniformed service voters, overseas voters or township voters. The portion of the voter list produced for purposes of this subsection relating to Address Confidentiality Program participants must be kept under seal and excluded from public inspection. The residence address for any voter whose address has been made confidential pursuant to section 22, subsection 3, paragraph B may not be printed on the voter list, and the words "address is confidential" must be printed on the list instead. The Secretary of State shall designate the form of the voter list produced for purposes of this subsection.
[PL 2007, c. 515, §5 (AMD).]
2.  Delivery of.
The registrar shall deliver the necessary number of certified copies of the posted voter list described in subsection 1 and the incoming voting list to the clerk by 5 p.m. on the last business day before election day. The clerk shall give the registrar a receipt for the copies.
[PL 2007, c. 515, §5 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 453, §51 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 515, §5 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §625. Posting of sample ballots

§625. Posting of sample ballots
At least 7 days before an election, the clerk shall post a sample ballot, furnished to the clerk under section 603, in a conspicuous, public place in each voting district.   [PL 2009, c. 538, §7 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 436, §87 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 341, §2 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 538, §7 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §626. Polling times

§626. Polling times
The following provisions apply to polling times at any election.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
1.  Opening time flexible.
The polls must be opened no earlier than 6 a.m. and no later than 8 a.m. on election day, except that in municipalities with a population of less than 500, the polls must be opened no later than 10:00 a.m. The municipal officers of each municipality shall determine the time of opening the polls within these limits.
[PL 2015, c. 447, §16 (AMD).]
2.  Closing time fixed.
The polls must be closed at 8 p.m. on election day, except in municipalities of population less than 100 which may close the polls after all registered voters have voted.
A. The warden shall give all voters present at the voting place at closing time the opportunity to vote. Any person who arrives at the voting place after the time for closing the polls has passed may not vote.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
[PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW); PL 1985, c. 277 (AMD).]
3.  Polling times in election notice.
The municipal clerk shall state the times of opening and closing the polls in the notice of the election.
[PL 1997, c. 436, §89 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 277 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 580 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §§88,89 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 342, §18 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 447, §16 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §626-A. Voting place report

§626-A. Voting place report
The municipal clerk shall file a voting place report at least 60 days before each election conducted under this Title, on a form designed by the Secretary of State, with information about each voting place, including, but not limited to, the location of each voting place, the location of each secured drop box, the times for in-person absentee voting at the clerk’s office under section 753‑B, subsection 8, the poll opening time and the number of voting booths that will be used.   [PL 2021, c. 246, §4 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2015, c. 447, §17 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 246, §4 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §627. Arrangement of voting place

§627. Arrangement of voting place
The arrangement of a voting place is governed by the following provisions.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
1.  General layout.
The voting place must be arranged so that the ballot box is within view of persons present. Each voting booth must be arranged so that those outside the guardrail enclosure can see who enters and leaves it.
[PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
2.  Guardrail.
A guardrail must be constructed so that only those inside its enclosure can approach within 6 feet of the ballot box and the voting booths.
[PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
3.  Flag displayed.
An American flag must be displayed in each voting place at any election.
[PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
4.  Minimum size of polling place; complaint to Secretary of State.
Municipalities must provide a polling place large enough to allow at least one worker from each political party to remain outside the guardrail enclosure as a pollwatcher. If the municipality uses an incoming voting list for a polling place that is divided into separate segments by voting district or by the alphabetic listing of voters' names, then the municipality must allow at least one worker from each political party to remain outside the guardrail enclosure as a pollwatcher at each separate segment of the voting list. Additional party workers and others are allowed if there is sufficient space at the polling place. If the space at the polling place is so limited that the presence of the additional party workers and others would interfere with the election process, the warden shall prohibit their presence. If the chair of any party's state committee submits a written complaint to the Secretary of State at least 60 days before an election, the Secretary of State shall authorize an inspection of the polling place considered to be too small to allow party workers access. If the Secretary of State finds a polling place to be too small to allow party workers access, the Secretary of State shall instruct the municipal officers to change the location of the polling place to one of a suitable size. The municipal officers shall advertise the change of the polling place at least 3 times in the daily or weekly newspaper, or both, that covers the area.
[PL 2007, c. 455, §24 (AMD).]
5.  Rulemaking.
The Secretary of State may adopt rules governing pollwatchers, additional party workers and others present in the polling place as described in subsection 4. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
[PL 2021, c. 246, §5 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §49 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 310, §33 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 455, §24 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 246, §5 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §628. Care and custody of ballot box

§628. Care and custody of ballot box
The care and custody of an official ballot box are governed by the following provisions.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
1.  Custody during election.
The ballot box is in the custody of the warden of each voting place during an election. The warden is responsible for requiring that it is attended constantly. The warden shall return it to the clerk at the close of the election.
[RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §52 (COR).]
2.  Custody at other times.
At other times, the ballot box is in the custody of the clerk. The clerk shall keep it in good repair and shall provide safe storage for it at the expense of the municipality, subject to the supervision of the Secretary of State.
[RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §53 (COR).]
3.  Defective, lost or destroyed.
If a ballot box becomes defective, lost or destroyed, the clerk must notify the Secretary of State in writing and the Secretary of State shall approve a replacement at the expense of the municipality.
[PL 1999, c. 426, §19 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §50 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 426, §19 (AMD). RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §§52, 53 (COR).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §630. Accessible voting places for persons with physical disabilities

§630. Accessible voting places for persons with physical disabilities
1.  Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings:
A. "Accessible voting place" means a voting place in a building in which the part of the building set aside for voting meets the requirements for accessible routes described in Title 5, chapter 337, subchapter 5.   [PL 2011, c. 613, §24 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 613, §29 (AFF).]
B.   [PL 1999, c. 252, §1 (RP).]
[PL 2011, c. 613, §24 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 613, §29 (AFF).]
2.  Voting places.
By April 1, 2000, all publicly owned buildings that are used as voting places must be accessible as defined in subsection 1. By July 1, 2001, each municipality shall ensure that all privately owned facilities used by the municipality as voting places are accessible as defined in subsection 1.
A.   [PL 1995, c. 459, §53 (RP).]
B.   [PL 1999, c. 252, §1 (RP).]
[PL 1999, c. 252, §1 (AMD).]
3.  Alternative paper ballots.
[PL 1999, c. 252, §1 (RP).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 383, §10 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 502, §A63 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 459, §53 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §91 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 252, §1 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 613, §24 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 613, §29 (AFF). PL 2021, c. 348, §28 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §631. Voting districts

§631. Voting districts
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §54 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 426, §20 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 455, §27 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 64, §3 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §631-A. Voting places

§631-A. Voting places
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2007, c. 455, §28 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 342, §21 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §632. Separate voting places; reimbursement of election expense

§632. Separate voting places; reimbursement of election expense
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 453, §52 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1: PREELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: LOCAL OFFICIALS' RESPONSIBILITIES › 21-A §633. Election expenses

§633. Election expenses
Except for the added expenses incurred by a municipality under section 632, each municipality shall pay for the expense it incurs in calling, holding and reporting the results of an election. The State shall pay for other election expenses incurred as a result of the performance by state officials of their duties under this Title.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1-A: CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS ACT OF 1996 › 21-A §641. Short title (REPEALED)

§641. Short title
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 2, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 516, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1-A: CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS ACT OF 1996 › 21-A §642. Definitions (REPEALED)

§642. Definitions
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 2, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 516, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1-A: CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS ACT OF 1996 › 21-A §643. Ballot for incumbent Legislator (REPEALED)

§643. Ballot for incumbent Legislator
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 2, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 516, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1-A: CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS ACT OF 1996 › 21-A §644. Ballot for incumbent Governor (REPEALED)

§644. Ballot for incumbent Governor
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 2, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 516, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1-A: CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS ACT OF 1996 › 21-A §645. Ballot for incumbent members of Congress (REPEALED)

§645. Ballot for incumbent members of Congress
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 2, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 516, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 1-A: CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS ACT OF 1996 › 21-A §646. Pledge to support term limits (REPEALED)

§646. Pledge to support term limits
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 2, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 516, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 1: MATERIALS › 21-A §652. Certified incoming voting list and official ballot box

§652. Certified incoming voting list and official ballot box
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §56 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 453, §53 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICIALS › 21-A §661. Registrar

§661. Registrar
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 614, §17 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 453, §54 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 371, §19 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICIALS › 21-A §662. Warden

§662. Warden
A warden has the following powers and duties.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
1.  Enforcement of election law.
The warden shall enforce the law governing voting and counting procedures at the voting place over which the warden has jurisdiction on election day.
[RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §54 (COR).]
2.  Order at voting place.
The warden shall keep order at all times in and around the voting place. The warden shall direct that any person who creates a disturbance or otherwise violates the law at the voting place be removed from it and, if necessary, confined until the polls are closed.
A. On request of the warden, a peace officer shall remove, confine or arrest a person who creates a disturbance or otherwise violates the law at a voting place.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
[RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §55 (COR).]
3.  Control of election clerk.
The election clerks at the voting place are under the supervision and control of the warden. The warden may assign their duties for convenience and efficiency and may delegate the warden's ministerial duties to them.
[RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §56 (COR).]
4.  Collection of signatures.
The warden may select and designate a specific location at the voting place, accessible and observable by the voters, where the collection of signatures may take place. Persons collecting signatures at the polls may make arrangements with the clerk prior to election day and with the warden on election day. The warden may limit the number of persons collecting signatures to one for each specific question, candidate or issue. Persons collecting signatures may not solicit a voter's signature until the voter has completed voting. The warden may direct the removal, under subsection 2, paragraph A, of any person collecting signatures who does not comply with the requirements of this subsection.
[PL 1995, c. 459, §57 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 225 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 459, §57 (AMD). RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §§54-56 (COR).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 2: POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICIALS › 21-A §663. Authority of Secretary of State during emergencies

§663. Authority of Secretary of State during emergencies
The Secretary of State may act administratively to facilitate voting by civilian registered voters of this State who live in an area within the United States that is affected by a natural disaster or other occurrence for which the governor of that state has declared a state of emergency covering that area, or for registered voters of this State who are emergency workers, utility workers or others responding to and offering assistance to the area in which a state of emergency has been declared. These administrative actions may include, but are not limited to, central issuance and receipt of absentee ballots for federal and state elections using the systems and procedures developed for uniformed service voters and overseas voters.   [PL 2013, c. 131, §18 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2013, c. 131, §18 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 3: VOTING AND CHALLENGES › 21-A §672. Assistance

§672. Assistance
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 614, §18 (RPR). PL 1993, c. 255, §4 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 455, §30 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 3: VOTING AND CHALLENGES › 21-A §675. Reports of threats or harassment

§675. Reports of threats or harassment
1.  Reporting of threats or harassment.
The Secretary of State shall accept and maintain a record of reports of threats to or harassment of public officials related to the conduct of federal, state or municipal elections in the State. The Secretary of State shall adopt routine technical rules, as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A, regarding the process for submitting reports pursuant to this subsection.
[PL 2021, c. 568, §7 (NEW).]
2.  Annual report.
Beginning February 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall report the number and type of reports of threats to or harassment of public officials received by the Secretary of State during the previous calendar year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over election matters.
[PL 2021, c. 568, §7 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2021, c. 568, §7 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 4: RESTRICTIONS › 21-A §681. Positions at polling place

§681. Positions at polling place
The guardrail area is governed by the following provisions.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
1.  Within the guardrail enclosure.
The clerk, election officials and not more than 2 voters in excess of the number of voting booths may be within the guardrail enclosure. The warden may permit peace officers to be within the enclosure to enforce the law. All other persons must remain outside of the enclosure.
[PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
2.  Limited time within guardrail enclosure.
After entering the guardrail enclosure, the voter shall proceed to vote as soon as a voting booth is available and may not linger within the voting booth or guardrail enclosure once the voter has completed voting and deposited all ballots into the ballot box.
[PL 2001, c. 310, §36 (RPR).]
3.  Voting booth.
Except as provided in paragraphs A and B, no one may enter a voting booth with a voter.
A. If the voter requests assistance under section 672, an election official designated by the warden or an aide requested by the voter may enter the voting booth with the voter.   [PL 2007, c. 455, §34 (AMD).]
B. If a voter is accompanied by a person of 17 years of age or younger, the person may enter the voting booth with the voter.   [PL 1999, c. 426, §21 (AMD).]
[PL 2007, c. 455, §34 (AMD).]
4.  Outside the guardrail enclosure.
If sufficient space exists, party workers and others, in addition to the pollwatchers allowed pursuant to section 627, may remain in the voting place outside the guardrail enclosure as long as they do not attempt to influence voters or interfere with their free passage. If a person attempts to influence voters or interfere with their free passage, the warden shall have the person removed from the voting place. A person video recording or engaging in still photography in the voting place must remain outside the guardrail and may not conduct video recording or still photography closer than 15 feet from a voter being recorded or photographed, including when a voter is where a person is collecting voters' signatures, except that a person may take a still photograph that depicts only the person taking the photograph. A person who video records or photographs a voter in violation of this subsection may be removed from the voting place by the municipal clerk at the recommendation of the warden as provided in section 662, subsection 2.
[PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §9 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 33, §1 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 426, §21 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 310, §36 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 455, §§34, 35 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 422, §1 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §9 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 5: MARKING, COUNTING AND HANDLING OF BALLOTS › 21-A §691. Marking ballots; primary election

§691. Marking ballots; primary election
A voter shall mark the ballot at a primary election as instructed in the directions on the ballot.   [PL 1993, c. 473, §21 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF).]
1.  Individual candidate method.
The voter must mark the ballot as instructed in the directions on the ballot to indicate the name of each candidate for nomination for whom the voter wishes to vote.
[PL 1993, c. 473, §21 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF).]
2.  Write-in vote.
If the voter wishes to vote for a write-in candidate, the voter must write the name of the candidate in the blank space provided next to the write-in indicator. The voter must then mark the write-in indicator as instructed on the ballot to indicate a vote for the write-in candidate. A sticker may not be used to vote for a write-in candidate.
[PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §10 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 473, §21 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF). PL 2007, c. 455, §36 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 253, §29 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §10 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 5: MARKING, COUNTING AND HANDLING OF BALLOTS › 21-A §692. General election

§692. General election
A voter shall mark the ballot at a general election as instructed in the directions on the ballot.   [PL 1993, c. 473, §22 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF).]
1.  Individual candidate method.
The voter must mark the ballot as instructed in the directions on the ballot to indicate a vote for the name of each nominee for whom the voter wishes to vote, regardless of political designation, but must follow directions as to the number of nominees to be elected to each office.
[PL 1993, c. 473, §22 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF).]
2.  Write-in vote.
If the voter wishes to vote for a write-in candidate, the voter must write the name of the candidate in the blank space provided next to the write-in indicator. The voter must then mark the write-in indicator as instructed on the ballot to indicate a vote for the write-in candidate. A sticker may not be used to vote for a write-in candidate.
[PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §11 (AMD).]
3.  Referendum question.
In voting on a referendum question, the voter shall mark the ballot as instructed in the directions on the ballot.
[PL 1993, c. 473, §22 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 473, §22 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 473, §46 (AFF). PL 2009, c. 253, §30 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. A, §11 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 5: MARKING, COUNTING AND HANDLING OF BALLOTS › 21-A §693. Spoiled ballots

§693. Spoiled ballots
If a voter spoils a ballot, the voter may obtain a replacement, not more than twice, by returning the spoiled ballot to the election clerk in charge of issuing ballots. The warden, ward clerk or deputy warden shall write "Spoiled by voter" on the spoiled ballot and sign it. If a replacement ballot is issued to the voter, the warden, ward clerk or deputy warden shall also mark "Replacement ballot issued" on the spoiled ballot. The election official shall then segregate the spoiled ballot with any other spoiled ballots in an envelope labeled "Spoiled ballots" and shall package and return the envelope of segregated ballots in accordance with section 698. The Secretary of State shall provide the clerk of each municipality with either a label and instructions on proper handling of spoiled ballots or a special envelope printed with this label and instructions.   [PL 2003, c. 298, §1 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 459, §63 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §99 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 298, §1 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS › Subchapter 2: ELECTION PROCEDURE › Article 5: MARKING, COUNTING AND HANDLING OF BALLOTS › 21-A §694. Voting list signed (REPEALED)

§694. Voting list signed
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 447, §15 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 310, §38 (RP).