Bill > LD313

This bill introduces new requirements for ballot identification and electronic ballot counting in Maine, primarily focused on enhancing voter confidence in the election process. Specifically, the bill mandates that each ballot must include a unique identifier, while ensuring that this identifier cannot be printed on sample ballots. The legislation requires voting devices used in state elections to record these unique identifiers alongside votes cast, but with a critical privacy protection: the system must prevent any direct association between a voter's identity and their specific ballot. Additionally, the bill requires municipal clerks to publish a list of votes for each ballot cast using electronic voting devices, organized by unique identifier, while explicitly stating that this does not apply to paper ballots counted through other methods and does not authorize the public disclosure of official ballots. Ballot boxes may now be equipped to recognize these unique identifiers, which is a departure from previous restrictions on recording distinguishing marks on ballots. The goal appears to be creating a system that allows for vote verification and potential audits while maintaining voter anonymity.

Military Affairs and Security

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=313&snum=132