Bill > LD309

This bill allows a political party to determine the method for selecting its nominees in a primary election, providing more flexibility in how parties conduct their internal election processes. Specifically, during the state convention held between March 1st and August 1st in each general election year, a political party can decide whether to use ranked-choice voting (a voting method where voters rank candidates in order of preference) or an alternate method for their primary election. If the party chooses an alternative method, they must incorporate this decision into their party rules and notify the Secretary of State no later than October 1st of the year prior to the primary election. The bill amends existing election laws to give political parties more autonomy in selecting their candidates, allowing them to opt out of the standard ranked-choice voting system if they choose. This change provides parties with greater control over their nomination processes while maintaining a structured approach to modifying primary election methods. The bill requires transparency by mandating that any changes be formally documented in party rules and communicated to state election officials.

Military Affairs and Security

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=309&snum=132