AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is seeking nominations for the 2022 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.

Through this annual award, the Secretary of State’s Office recognizes one Maine resident, age 25 or younger, who demonstrates leadership abilities, has a passion for social justice, and is improving the quality of life in their community.

AUGUSTA — The citizen initiative petition regarding voter approval for certain public borrowing has been found valid, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows confirmed today.

The petitions for “An Act To Require Voter Approval of Certain Borrowing by Government-controlled Entities and Utilities and To Provide Voters More Information Regarding that Borrowing” had been in circulation since December 7, 2021. On December 27, 2022 the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions received 28,238 petition forms with 93,837 signatures of voters who support the initiative.

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is congratulating three students as the winners of the 2021 Maine Native American History and Culture Essay Contest.

Ronan Drage, a seventh grade student at Boothbay Region Elementary School won middle school first place for his essay, "The Wabanaki Dawn Versus The First Light."

Jasai Marable, a seventh grader at Windsor Elementary School won middle school second place for his essay "The Maine Maliseet Tribe."

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows released the following statement after news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would be delaying enforcement of REAL ID requirements for domestic flights and other activities by an additional 24 months to May 7, 2025:

AUGUSTA — The Maine House of Representatives gave unanimous initial approval of a bill to strengthen protections for election workers on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA — Based on results of Election Day votes in the Republican Primary in State Senate District 16, ranked-choice tabulation will be required, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced today.

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced Monday that Maine received an award of $1,000,000 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 for Election Security.

"Ongoing investment in election infrastructure is vital for Maine to continue being a national leader in election administration," said Secretary Bellows. "We’re glad to see this investment from the federal government so that we have the resources to protect the integrity of Maine elections."

AUGUSTA — The official tabulation of votes from the November 8, 2022 General Election is now complete, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced. The certified results were submitted to Gov. Janet Mills yesterday evening.

"Maine saw extraordinary voter participation in this year’s election," said Secretary Bellows. "We should be proud of our high level of voter participation, as well as the excellent election administration by our local clerks, poll workers and state elections staff."

AUGUSTA — The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced a technological upgrade Friday to allow Mainers to pay driver license reinstatement fees online.

"Mainers lead busy lives and they expect the option to do most daily activities online at a time convenient to them," said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. "In 2022 it is just commonsense to have this option."

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has released the draft rule implementing a 2021 law that established the Secretary's authority to recall or refuse to issue vanity license plates which meet certain criteria, including profanities and obscenities, certain derogatory references, and references to sexual acts.