Bill > LD53

This bill establishes the day of the general election (which occurs biennially in November) as a state holiday in Maine. Specifically, the legislation amends multiple sections of state law to add the general election day to lists of official holidays, ensuring that courts may not be held on this day, nonessential state offices will be closed, and the day will be treated similarly to other recognized state holidays. The bill references the definition of "general election" from Title 21-A, section 1, subsection 19, which typically means the regular election of state and county officials held in November. By making election day a state holiday, the bill aims to potentially increase voter participation by making it easier for people to take time off work to vote, though the specific language does not explicitly mandate time off for voting. The bill applies this holiday status across various sections of Maine state law, including court operations, state office procedures, and potentially school and banking regulations.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=53&snum=132