Another week, another hectic schedule of public hearings and work sessions. We're at the half-way point of the current session, which should wrap up around mid-June. With time flying by and spring in the air, let's slow down and be sure to smell the crocuses.
Here are your weekly updates 👇
Things are busy and will continue to heat up as committees work through their stacks of bills before they head to their chamber votes. There are still several hundred bills that have not yet been printed, including some of our highest priorities. Here are just some of the bills that we're watching this week.
Work Sessions in the VLA // Monday, March 20 // 10 AM
- LD 812 — Improving the Absentee Ballot Process: This bill would improve the accessibility of in-person absentee voting. It would expand Clerk's office hours to include Saturdays and Sundays for larger towns and increase the absentee ballot processing time so that Clerks have more time to facilitate elections. We testified in support – with some suggestions.
Public hearings in the VLA // Wednesday, March 22 // 10:00 AM
- 🌟 New! LD 1038 — Repealing Ranked Choice Voting: The title of this bill says it all. If enacted, it would repeal RCV. We 120% oppose this bill. We completed an entire study on RCV and have endorsed it since 2011. We'll be in Augusta to voice our opposition. We encourage you to submit written testimony to say why you love RCV, and we've written a quick guide to testimony here to help you get started. Let us know if you want help. Contact Will at will@lwvme.org.
- 🌟 New! LD 1055 — Bans Ballot Drop boxes: Really? This bill want to ban drop boxes? This unnecessary restriction would prevent people from returning their absentee ballots via a drop box. Drop boxes are secure and convenient and have been enormously popular with Maine voters. We oppose this one. Period.
Additional Updates:
- 🪦 LD 26 — Prepaid Postage for Absentee Ballots: This bill would require the Secretary of State to provide prepaid postage on the return envelopes for absentee ballots. It sounded good, but it's complicated. We testified as NFNA. It was killed in committee during its work session last week. RIP.
- ❓LD 237 — Voter Re-registration: This bill would require voters to renew their voter registration every four years. We opposed this one. A helpful amendment was presented at the work session last week, but the committee was not enthusiastic.
Save the date for Convention!
The League of Women Voters of Maine is a membership organization, and Convention is the powerful moment for League members to come together, exercise their voting rights, and decide the future of our organization. We also elect officers and directors, adopt programs and positions, make bylaws changes, and adopt a budget. That's democracy in action. Save the date! This year's Convention will be in Augusta, with some virtual options available.
2023 Biennial Convention
Saturday, June 3
Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
46 University Dr, Augusta
Are you a member? Join today so that you can participate in Convention. Members guide our work when it comes to formulating positions on key issues, lobbying and advocacy in Augusta, and developing programs to educate and inform voters. Join at a rate that works best for you.
Coming Soon: Study on Lowering the Voting Age to 16
A group of dedicated researchers are preparing a study on lowering the voting age to 16. These volunteers have put together an entire study packet that presents both sides of the argument. In a few months, local League chapters will meet and discuss the readings and consensus questions. At the end of the study, members will vote and decide what position the League will take: are we for or against lowering the voting age? This study is just another great reason to become a member! Join today so that you can participate.