Maine Secretary of State Archives

Most Mainers can now renew Real IDs online

by Gillian Graham November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Officials are encouraging people to renew online if they can — not everyone is eligible — and leave in-person appointments for those who need them.

Elections, Fact Brief, Local & State, News, Politics

Can Maine primary losers appear on the general election ballot? | Fact brief

by J. Craig Anderson October 20, 2025October 21, 2025

State law bars ‘cross-filing,’ meaning a candidate can seek to appear on the ballot via party primary or independent petition — but not both.

Local & State, News, Politics

State investigating report that 250 ballots were mailed to a Newburgh woman

by Dylan Tusinski October 1, 2025October 1, 2025

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ office said it was aware of ‘serious allegations’ that packages of ballots were mailed to a single voter this week.

Fact Brief, Local & State, News

Is there an ‘Independent Party’ in Maine? | Fact brief

by J. Craig Anderson September 22, 2025October 2, 2025

Maine currently recognizes 5 political parties, while voters may also register as unaffiliated with any party.

Local & State, News, Politics

Justice Department sues Maine for refusing to provide voter information

by Drew Johnson September 16, 2025September 16, 2025

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows twice denied the DOJ’s request for the information, which includes personal data such as birth dates, addresses and partial Social Security numbers.

Local & State, News, Politics

Maine again rejects Justice Department request for voters’ personal information

by Drew Johnson September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said Monday in a letter that she has ‘grave concerns’ about the Trump administration’s second demand for about 1 million voters’ birth dates, addresses and other data.