Bills would advance BMV modernization efforts
AUGUSTA — Two bills with public hearings in the Legislature’s Transportation Committee this week would advance the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ modernization efforts.
Public comment period now open on wording of ballot question
AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is now accepting public comment on the wording of a citizen initiative question that will appear on the November 7, 2023 Referendum Election ballot, unless enacted by the Legislature as written.
The department’s Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions has certified An Act Regarding Automotive Right to Repair. The ballot question, as drafted, reads:
Scarborough BMV to reopen Monday
AUGUSTA — The Scarborough Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch will reopen Monday, May 22, following a temporary closure for remedial work stemming from water damage that resulted from the bitterly cold temperatures in early February.
Following this winter’s coldest days, a roof drain above the office broke, sending water cascading into the interior of the branch. Staff worked quickly to ensure safety of customers and ensure electronics were out of range of the water pouring from the ceiling.
Special election set to fill House District 50 seat
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows signed the proclamation announcing a special election for the Maine House District 50 seat will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.
This House seat was previously held by State Representative Sean Paulhus, who resigned recently.
House District 50 is comprised of the city of Bath.
Department of Homeland Security delays Real ID enforcement deadline to 2023
AUGUSTA – The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that the Real ID enforcement deadline is now extended to May 3, 2023.
The 19-month extension is in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on U.S. citizens’ ability to obtain a Real ID-compliant credential during the past year. The full statement is available on the DHS website.
Citizen initiative found valid with 76,081 signatures
AUGUSTA — The citizen initiative petition effort "An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures" has been found valid, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows confirmed today.
The petitions for "An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures" had been in circulation since October 27, 2023. On January 23, 2024 the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions received 11,313 petition forms with 84,025 signatures of voters who support the initiative.
Maine Secretary of State Decision in Challenge to Trump Presidential Primary Petitions
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued the attached decision regarding three challenges brought by Maine voters to the nomination petition of Donald J. Trump, for the Republican primary for the President of the United States.
The Secretary of State’s Office received three challenges to the nomination of Mr. Trump, each filed under 21-A M.R.S. � � 336 and 337.
Public hearing on new general issue license plate to be held Wednesday
AUGUSTA — Legislation authorizing the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to replace the current general issue chickadee plates with a new design will be the subject of a public hearing in the Legislature’s Transportation Committee on Wednesday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.
Perham residents can now renew vehicle registrations online
AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has announced that Perham has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations.
Rapid Renewal allows Mainers to conduct business with municipal and state government in one seamless online transaction.
While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has now includes 338 municipalities and more than 2.9 million transactions have been processed to date.
Annual reports for business and nonprofit entities are due June 3
AUGUSTA — Annual reports are due on June 3 for all business and nonprofit entities on file with the Secretary of State's office as of December 31, 2023.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is reminding those who must file that they can do so quickly and easily using the Secretary of State’s online filing system. To file online, go to https://www10.informe.org/aro/index_on.html. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or with a subscriber account.