LD 1977 Maine Senate · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Elections

LD 1977 amends Maine's election laws to adjust voter registration deadlines and procedures. It establishes a 20-day "closed period" before elections during which only in-person registration or automatic registration (via DMV or other agencies) up to 7 days prior is accepted for the voter list. Online registrations must be received by 5 p.m. on the 21st day before the election, while mailed registrations must be received by close of business on the same day. Voters who miss these deadlines can still register in person on election day until polls close, but must provide proof of identity and residency at that time.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced May 13, 2025 Signed Jun 20, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
21
Key actions
6
Committee
4
Jun 20, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor
executive
Jun 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Jun 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Jun 9, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM
legislature
Jun 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-317) READ and ADOPTED.
upper
May 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
upper
May 13, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Craig Hickman
Craig Hickman
DDemocratic
ME
14