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Bill > LD1149
ME LD1149
ME LD1149An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting
summary
Introduced
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/14/2025
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)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1149&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN114901.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=IB0001&item=1&snum=132 |
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