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Bill > LD1388
ME LD1388
ME LD1388An Act to Replace the Participation Threshold in Votes to Adopt or Alter a Municipal Charter with a Lower Approval Threshold
summary
Introduced
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
In Committee
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/21/2025
05/21/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill changes the requirements for a new municipal charter, charter revision, charter modification or charter amendment in a question before the voters to go into effect. Current law requires that the total number of votes cast for and against the question equals or exceeds 30% of the total votes cast in the municipality in the last gubernatorial election. The bill requires instead that the number of votes cast in favor of the question equals or exceeds 15% of the total votes cast in the municipality in the last gubernatorial election. Also, while this bill does not change the requirement that a majority of votes cast for and against the proposed change be in favor of it in order for that change to go into effect, it clarifies that blank votes are not counted in that calculation.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the requirements for adopting or changing a municipal charter in Maine by lowering the voter participation threshold and clarifying vote calculation rules. Currently, for a charter change to be approved, the total number of votes cast must equal or exceed 30% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. The bill reduces this threshold to 15%, making it easier for municipal charter changes to be adopted. Additionally, the bill clarifies that for a charter change to pass, more votes must be in favor than opposed, and explicitly states that blank votes will not be counted in determining whether the measure passes. The bill maintains the existing requirement that charter changes generally take effect at the start of the next municipal year, with a provision allowing immediate implementation for conducting required elections. This change aims to make municipal charter modifications more accessible by lowering the bar for voter participation and making the approval process more straightforward.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/21/2025)
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=1388&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN138801.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0910&item=1&snum=132 |
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