Bill > LD147

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how the Secretary of State is selected in Maine, shifting from being chosen by legislative ballot to being directly elected by popular vote starting in 2026. Currently, the Secretary of State is elected by a joint ballot of the Legislature, but under this proposed amendment, they would be elected in the same manner and on the same date as Senators and Representatives - through a statewide election. The bill also modifies the succession procedure for the office, stipulating that if a vacancy occurs, the first deputy secretary of state will act in the role until a new Secretary of State is elected by popular vote, with the possibility of filling the vacancy through a new election. To implement this change, the bill requires a statewide referendum in November where voters will be asked to approve the constitutional amendment by voting "Yes" or "No". If a majority of legal votes support the amendment, the Governor will proclaim its adoption, and it will become part of the Maine Constitution on the date of that proclamation.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=147&snum=132