Legislative committee discusses bill to allow early voting in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs held a work session today on several bills regarding voting in our state.

One would allow the legislature to create a process for early voting that municipalities could adopt if they choose to do so.

Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn answered questions regarding the process.

She says Mainers would vote in the same manner they do on election day, but ballots wouldn’t be counted until election day.

Flynn says early voting can be more efficient than absentee voting, but many Maine towns may not be able to handle early in-person voting.

“It’s as convenient for the voter, and as long as you have the right security measures, it’s as secure for the voter as early in-person absentee voting, but it’s a heck of a lot more efficient for the town, and I would say less costly to administer,” said Flynn.

The committee voted eight to four to recommend the bill pass.

Since the bill would amend the state Constitution, it requires a two-thirds majority vote from the legislature and must be voted on by Mainers at the next election.

The committee also tabled a bill that would require an affidavit for independent expenditures influencing an election.

It would penalize the use of any mistruths as well.

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