An Act to Amend Election Polling Place Candidate Restrictions
Sponsored By: Mark Cooper (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No electioneering within 250 feet
The law bans anyone from trying to influence voters inside a polling place and on public property within 250 feet of the entrance. It covers efforts about any candidate on that day's ballot and any question on that day's ballot. This applies even if the candidate’s name is not printed on the ballot.
Stricter rules for candidates near polls
The law defines who counts as a candidate, including write-ins and people in any party or no party. Inside the polling place and on public property within 250 feet, a candidate or one chosen representative may only briefly greet voters. They cannot say the office they seek, wear or show the candidate’s name or office, or show support or opposition for any party, candidate, or question. They also cannot collect petition signatures, ask for campaign donations, or collect Maine Clean Election qualifying contributions for that race in the restricted area.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Mark Cooper
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Allison Hepler
Democratic • House
Barbara Bagshaw
Republican • House
Caldwell Jackson
Republican • House
Chad Perkins
Republican • House
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Dean Cray
Republican • House
Jeffrey L. Timberlake
Republican • Senate
Randall Hall
Republican • House
Wayne Parry
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 331
6/17/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
6/12/2025SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/11/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-612) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-612), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/11/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-612).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/10/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS in concurrence
4/17/2025SenateCommittee on Veterans and Legal Affairs suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/17/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-612), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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