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ME LD1149

ME LD1149
An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting


summary

Introduced
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/14/2025

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

This initiated bill requires the presentation of photographic identification for in-person and absentee voting. Acceptable forms of photographic identification include an unexpired Maine driver's license, nondriver identification card, interim identification form issued by the Secretary of State, United States passport or United States passport card, United States military identification card, Maine National Guard identification card and United States Department of Veterans Affairs identification card. The bill directs the Secretary of State to provide free nondriver identification cards for photographic identification. The bill allows voters without photographic identification to complete a challenged ballot and within 4 days after the date of the election appear before the registrar of voters and present photographic identification. The bill also provides an exception for voters with religious objections to being photographed. The bill removes provisions of law that allow voters to make telephone applications for absentee ballots and that allow voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for each election without submitting a separate request for each election. It also provides that a municipality may have only one secured drop box for the return of absentee ballots.

AI Summary

This bill requires voters to present photographic identification when voting in person or submitting an absentee ballot in Maine. Acceptable forms of identification include a Maine driver's license, nondriver identification card, interim identification form, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, Maine National Guard ID, or Veterans Affairs ID. The Secretary of State must provide free nondriver identification cards for voters who do not have other acceptable photo ID. Voters without identification can cast a challenged ballot and have four days after the election to present proper identification to have their vote counted. The bill also provides an exception for voters with religious objections to being photographed, who can complete a special affidavit. Additionally, the legislation restricts absentee voting procedures by eliminating telephone ballot applications, requiring more detailed ballot request forms, limiting municipalities to one secured drop box for ballot returns, and mandating that ballots be returned only through specific methods. The bill aims to enhance voter identification requirements and modify absentee voting processes, with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Last Action

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/14/2025)

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