Bill > LD600

This bill modifies Maine's election procedures for handling tied votes across different levels of government. For state-level elections, the bill requires the Secretary of State to automatically initiate a recount when there is an apparent tie vote, removing the previous requirement that only the apparent loser could request a recount. For ranked-choice voting elections, only candidates in the top 3 rankings can request a recount. At the municipal level, the bill mandates that if a tie vote occurs, the municipal clerk must automatically initiate a recount, and if the tie is confirmed, the election process will follow existing procedures of either holding a run-off election or declaring a winner if candidates withdraw. The bill aims to streamline the recount process by making it automatic in tie situations, reducing the burden on candidates to proactively request recounts and ensuring a more systematic approach to resolving extremely close election results. These changes apply to various types of elections in Maine, from state-level contests to local municipal elections.

Military Affairs and Security

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=600&snum=132