FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2010
Contact: Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap Announces the Availability of the Maine Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election

AUGUSTA, Maine—Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced today that the Maine Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election, which provides detailed information about the questions that will appear on the June 8, 2008 Referendum Election Ballot, has been published and is accessible to the public.

"This June, primary voters will pick their party's gubernatorial nominees and legislative candidates, as well as nominees for a variety of county offices," said Secretary Dunlap.  “In addition, all voters, including those not enrolled in a party, will be able to vote in the Referendum Election and will be deciding the outcome of a People's Veto question and four bond questions.  The Citizen's Guide is an important resource intended to help Maine voters make an informed decision on these ballot questions.”

The Citizen's Guide was prepared by the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Attorney General, the State Treasurer and the Office of Fiscal and Program Review.  The Citizen's Guide includes 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 upcoming elections.