FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2010
Contact: Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap Reminds the Public of an Opportunity to have Comments Published in the Maine Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election

AUGUSTA, Maine—Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap reminded the public today of an opportunity to have comments, in support or opposition to this Junes's ballot questions, published in the Maine Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election.  Interested parties must submit their applications, public comments, and the required $500 fee no later than the close of business on March 30, 2010.

Secretary Dunlap further noted that the application form, submission instructions, and copies of the rules governing the public comments are available on the Secretary of State's website for public comments.

Public comments for publication will be limited three comments in support and three comments in opposition to each ballot measure.  The determination of which comments will be published in the Citizen's Guide will be based upon the date and time the comments were filed in the Secretary of State's office.

The Citizen's Guide will be prepared this spring by the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Attorney General, the State Treasurer and the Office of Fiscal and Program Review.  In addition to any public comments, the Citizen's Guide will include a list of the referendum questions, the legislation each question represents, a summary of the intent and content of the legislation, an explanation of the significance of a “yes” or “no” vote, an analysis of the debt service on any bond issues, and an estimate of the fiscal impact of each referendum question on state revenues, appropriations and allocations.   The Citizen's Guide is published in paper format and distributed to municipal offices as well as libraries in Maine and to any citizen who requests a copy.  The guide is also posted on the Secretary of State's website. 

For further information, please visit the Secretary of State's website for public comments.