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MaineLD 911132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Clarify Procedures for When a Candidate Withdraws from an Election Determined by Ranked-choice Voting or When a Candidate Dies or Becomes Disqualified in an Election Determined by Ranked-choice Voting

Sponsored By: Mike Tipping (Democratic)

Became Law

ELECTIONSELECTIONS - VOTING PROCEDURES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Ballot names and notices when candidates exit

For primaries, if a candidate dies or is disqualified less than 70 days before the vote and another same‑party candidate remains, the name stays and no vacancy is declared. If a candidate withdraws less than 70 days before a primary, the name also stays and no vacancy is declared. For general elections, a withdrawn candidate’s name must be removed if the withdrawal is 70 days or more before election day. If they withdraw later and meet special legal criteria, the Secretary removes the name or amends or supplements the ballot. If a general‑election candidate withdraws late and does not meet those criteria, the name stays and the Secretary immediately posts and sends notices that votes for that candidate will not be counted.

How ranked-choice counts late candidate changes

The law keeps an election as ranked-choice even if a candidate dies, withdraws, or is disqualified less than 70 days before election day. It defines who is a “continuing candidate” and who is an “excluded candidate.” Excluded candidates cannot win, and a ranking for them in a primary or general counts only to see if your ballot is exhausted. In any round, ballots with an excluded top choice move to the next-highest continuing choice. A candidate wins in round one only if they are ranked first on more than 50% of all ballots cast, including blanks, overvotes, and first choices for excluded candidates.

Primary voter notices for late exits

When the Secretary learns a primary candidate died or is disqualified within 70 days, the Secretary immediately issues voter notices. When a primary candidate withdraws within 70 days, the Secretary also issues notices. The notices say votes for that candidate will not be counted. They go with later absentee ballots, are posted at polling places, and appear on the Secretary’s website.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mike Tipping

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 95 • No: 81

Senate vote • 6/13/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 21 • No: 13

House vote • 6/13/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 74 • No: 68

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 363

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/16/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative SUPICA of Bangor, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) was READ and ADOPTED.On motion of Representative MOONEN of Portland, the House RECONSIDERED its action whereby Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) was ADOPTED.Senate Amendment "A" (S-378) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) was READ and ADOPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 502(Yeas 74 - Nays 68 - Absent 7 - Excused 2)Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-378) thereto was ADOPTED. Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-378) thereto.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/13/2025House

  5. TAKEN from the Table by the President. Reports READ On motion by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 531 Yeas 21 - Nays 13 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) READ. On motion by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec Senate Amendment "A" (S-378) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (S-333) AS AMENDED BY Senate Amendment "A" (S-378) thereto ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-333)AS AMENDED BYSenate Amendment "A" (S-378) . thereto Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    6/13/2025Senate

  6. Unfinished Business

    6/13/2025Senate

  7. Reports READ On motion by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT. Unfinished Business

    6/11/2025Senate

  8. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  9. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on March 5, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    3/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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