FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 24, 2023

Secretary Bellows Announces Final Wording on Referendum Question

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the final wording of a referendum question on Monday.

The wording of the citizens’ initiative question entitled “An Act Regarding Automotive Right to Repair” will be:

“Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities?”

The full text of the proposed bill is available for viewing on the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions’ Citizens’ Initiatives webpage, along with proponent information.

Secretary Bellows received five comments on the proposed ballot question during the 30-day public comment period, which was open March 14 through April 13. These comments, from individuals and organizations throughout the state, were taken into consideration to draft the final language of each ballot question.

The initiative went to the Legislature for consideration on March 21, per the provisions of the Maine Constitution. As the Legislature adjourned the First Regular Session on March 30, the initiative will appear on the statewide ballot in November 2023.

The Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions will be creating a Citizens’ Guide to the 2023 Election in the coming months and all voters are encouraged to read it to inform themselves of the details of the bills.

In addition to the citizens’ initiative question, the November Referendum Election ballot may also include bond issues, Constitutional Resolutions or other referenda questions that the Legislature chooses to send to the voters. Any such ballot questions will be included on the Upcoming Elections page.

For more information about the November 2023 election, visit http://maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html. Information on voter registration and locating your polling place can also be found on the Corporations, Elections and Commissions website.

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