Welcome to Summer in Maine — the longest days of the year! Of course, that’s nothing compared to the long days the Legislature pulled last week trying to get through their work load in time to recess, which they did on Thursday. The Legislature is planning to be back in session on June 30 for a “veto day,” when they can attend to any bills that the Governor vetoes — she has 10 days from when bills are enacted to veto them, or they become law without her signature. If she does veto any, the Legislature can try to override the veto on the 30th. They will also try to conclude business on a supplemental budget at that time, which includes deciding the fate of bills that await judgement on the Special Appropriations Table. See the link to the Legislative Calendar. Stay tuned.
NEWS:
This entire legislative session, we've worked together as the League, MCCE, and with the coalition, Mainers for Modern Elections, to pass a far-reaching set of democracy reform bills, including online voter registration, which will improve voter accessibility and further modernize our elections. Maine is making national news with this package of reforms. Go, Maine!
We’re hearing that the senate vote on the For the People Act (S. 1) is happening THIS Tuesday, June 22. There are several ways to take action: 1) Call Senators Collins and King and urge them to support the For the People Act, 2) Send Senators Collins and King a quick email message using our handy form, and 3) Sign up for LWVUS's Friendbank on June 23, an opportunity to take action and encourage your friends and family to contact their Senators to pass S. 1.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to pass D.C. Statehood. LWVME Board Member, Alison Smith, has this op-ed in the BDN today.
WHAT THE LEAGUE IS WORKING ON:
Summertime means festivals and fairs are back in action. We're tabling to register voters and educate about our advocacy work. We will be highlighting our efforts to pass the National Popular Vote in Maine, D.C. Statehood, and For the People Act. Email Lane at lane@lwvme.org if you would like to volunteer for a 2-3 hour shift. Click here to view the full summer schedule.
So, first, let's celebrate the bills that have now been signed by Governor Mills and enacted into law.
- LD 1363: The Secretary of State's housekeeping bill. This includes a lot of good stuff after the 2020 election, including expanding drop boxes and mandating absentee ballot cure procedures. Takes effect in 90 days.
- LD 1417: Corporate contribution ban — will ban corporate contributions to candidates and leadership PACs. Takes effect in 2023.
- LD 1575: Good election measures. The law will improve voter information, protect the rights of nonpartisan election observers, and ensure consistent treatment of student IDs when registering to vote. Takes effect in 90 days.
The rest of our priority bills have seen good results in the Maine House and Senate, a remarkable session for democracy in Maine. We're still crossing our fingers that a number of them will cross the finish line. Here is the current status:
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LD 148: Ongoing absentee voting — Passed to be enacted in the House, awaiting final passage on the Special Appropriations Table in the Senate, which is sometimes where good bills go to die if they cost money. This one costs just a little. We live in hope.
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LD 202: Constitutional amendment for ranked choice voting for governor and legislature — Failed final passage in the House. It’s over, just waiting on the formalities. -
LD 231: Semi-open primaries — Passed to be enacted in the House, awaiting final passage on the Special Appropriations Table in the Senate.
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LD 1126: Online voter registration — Passed to be enacted in the House, awaiting final passage on the Special Appropriations Table in the Senate. This bill has momentum and broad support.
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LD 1155: Audits and election transparency — Passed to be enacted in the House, awaiting final passage on the Special Appropriations Table in the Senate. This one has a bigger price tag, but it would be worth it.