Bill > LD1161

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine's Attorney General is selected, shifting from being chosen by a joint legislative ballot to being directly elected by voters. Specifically, the amendment would require the Attorney General to be elected by popular vote every two years (biennially) in the same manner as Senators and Representatives. If passed, the first popular election would occur in 2026. The bill outlines a referendum process where Maine's municipal officers will notify inhabitants to vote on this constitutional change during a statewide election. Voters will be asked to answer the question: "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the Attorney General be elected by the people biennially in the same manner as members of the Senate and the House of Representatives?" If a majority of legal votes support the amendment, the Governor will proclaim its adoption, and it will become part of Maine's Constitution. The bill also allows for vacancy appointments by the Governor, subject to confirmation, which mirrors the current constitutional provisions for Supreme Judicial Court Justices.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1161&snum=132