News

Maine set to collect data on petition signatures under bill

Maine set to collect data on petition signatures under bill

Photo: clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)   Maine’s set to collect data on how ballot campaign groups pay for petition signatures under a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

Mills’ office says she signed the bill June 21. The Republican-sponsored legislation requires groups to provide the state a list of individuals paid to circulate petitions, and report the “method” of compensation.

Republicans critical of the influence of out-of-state advocacy groups have fought to reform Maine’s referendum process. Voters in recent elections have approved marijuana legalization, Medicaid expansion, minimum wage hikes and a ranked voting system.

The bill originally would have banned groups from paying circulators based on how many signatures they collect.

Mills previously signed a Republican bill requiring public hearings on ballot initiatives. The Maine Heritage Policy Center called it a “monumental victory for transparency.”

Latest Headlines

11 hours ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…

2 days ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

2 days ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

2 days ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

2 days ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.