78 Maine schools participated in mock elections this year

AUGUSTA, MAINE – In yesterday’s Maine Student Mock Election, 78 participating schools chose up to three provided questions to use for their election. 29 schools across the state reported results from 4,254 student votes. 

Secretary Bellows provides update on Maine election processes

AUGUSTA, MAINE – With October 28 marking one week until the Referendum Election on November 4 and absentee voting continuing statewide through Thursday, the Office of the Secretary of State today provided an update about Maine’s election processes for this stage of the election cycle.

2025 marks first year mock elections held for a referendum election

AUGUSTA, MAINE – The Maine Student Mock Election will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, October 28, with students at 78 schools around the state participating. This marks the first year a mock election will be held for a referendum election. 

Vehicle owners can book a time slot to have their catalytic converter etched

AUGUSTA, MAINE – The Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Enforcement Division (BMV) and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) will team up to host a free catalytic converter etching event on Wednesday, October 29. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at SMCC’s Johnson Automotive Technology Center (2 Fort Road, South Portland).

If you are considering operating a bus service, the first step is to visit your town office. Some Maine communities have licensing requirements and other rules and regulations that must be observed. Bus means a motor vehicle designed for carrying more than 15 persons, including the operator.

The next step is to check with your local and regional airport officials. Airports may also have separate licensing requirements and/or regulations.

If you are considering operating a taxi and/or a limousine business, the first step is to visit your town office. Some Maine communities have licensing requirements and other rules and regulations that must be observed.

The next step is to check with your local and regional airport officials. Airports may also have separate licensing requirements and/or regulations.

Voter registration thru BMV ends October 28, in-person on Election Night

AUGUSTA, MAINE –The deadline to utilize online voter registration at maine.gov/vote ahead of the November 4, 2025, Referendum Election ends today at 5 p.m. (ET). Mail-in registration also ends today with mailed applications due at local municipal offices by close of business. 

Latest scams involve misleading solicitations and invalid payments 

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows warned today of one scam targeting Maine notaries public and marriage officiants and a second scam targeting corporations and nonprofits.  

What is HVUT?

This is a Federal Excise Tax for vehicles with a registered or boosted weight of 55,000 pounds or more. You are required to provide the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) with proof of payment of HVUT each year.

Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) prior to paying this tax?

Yes. If you do not already have an EIN, you can obtain an EIN by calling 1-800-829-4933 or by applying online at www4.irs.gov

Registered voters previously enrolled as No Labels Party updated to unenrolled

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced today that the No Labels Party has officially withdrawn as a political party in Maine.

“In June of 2024, No Labels notified our office that they no longer planned to remain a qualified party. However, at that time there was no mechanism in Maine law to allow a party to withdraw its party status once it had become qualified,” said Secretary Bellows.