FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 8, 2025
Contact: Clare Davitt
207-446-0954

Secretary Bellows Sworn in for 3rd term as Maine’s 50th Secretary of State

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was sworn into office for her third term today, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. 

Governor Janet Mills conducted the formal swearing-in of all the constitutional officers, which includes Secretary Bellows, State Treasurer Joseph Perry, Attorney General Aaron Frey; as well as the statutory office of State Auditor, Matthew Dunlap.

In her remarks following the swearing-in, Secretary Bellows shared a message of transparency and accessibility in continuing to serve the people of Maine.

“It is incumbent upon us as elected officials to make government work for the people of Maine. We must reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, modernize our systems, and above all, bring people together in community to make life better for the people of Maine,” said Secretary Bellows. 

The Department of the Secretary of State includes three bureaus: The Maine State Archives, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions.

Secretary Bellows emphasized her commitment to ensuring free, safe, and secure elections, modernizing government services, and preserving Maine's history through the State Archives. She highlighted the importance of standing up for the rule of law and democracy, referring to the legacy of Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain and referencing the events at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

“This is our Chamberlain moment. We must stand up for the rule of law and do the right thing even when it is hard. As your Secretary of State, I pledge to always ensure that we have free, safe and secure elections and that we adhere to the Constitution and the rule of law in every aspect of everything that we do,” said Secretary Bellows.

Secretary Bellows, Maine’s 50th Secretary of State, previously served two terms in the Maine Senate from 2016-2020, and was the executive director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine prior to her election in 2021. For her full biography, visit www.Maine.gov/sos.

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