Bill > LD1635

This bill modifies the municipal referendum recount procedure in Maine by introducing a new provision that allows for automatic recounts in close elections. Specifically, if a municipal referendum passes or fails by less than 1% of all votes cast (including blank ballots), municipal officers can now vote to conduct a recount, regardless of the existing requirements. Under the current law, a recount could only be initiated by a written application from 10% of registered voters or 100 voters, whichever number is smaller. The bill maintains the existing requirements for designating an official representative who requests the recount, including providing their full legal name, mailing address, residence address, and telephone number. Additionally, an opposing group can still establish an official representative through an affidavit signed by 10 registered voters. The bill ensures that the existing time limits, rules, and procedural guidelines for candidate recounts will also apply to referendum recounts, with appropriate adaptations for the referendum context.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1635&snum=132