Bill creating ‘level playing field’ for write-in candidates passes Maine legislature

From Ballot Access News:

On May 26, Maine LD 1169 passed the legislature. Among other things, it includes these provisions to improve conditions for write-in candidates: (1) the names of all Declared write-in candidates will be posted at polling place locations; (2) voters no longer need to write-in the town or city of the candidate; (3) the form that the local elections officials fill out, listing how many votes were received in that precinct by each candidate, will include the names of the declared write-in candidates.

Herb Hoffman, independent candidate for U.S. Senate last year who was removed from the ballot and had to conduct a write-in campaign, deserves the credit for these provisions of the bill.

And from Herb Hoffman himself:

The long process of modifying Maine’s election laws to create a more level playing field for Declared write-in candidates is almost complete.  Last week the Maine House engrossed LD 1169 as amended and sent it to the Senate.  Yesterday, May 26, the Senate engrossed LD 1169 as amended and it is on its way to the Governor’s office for signature.  This bill, filed by the Secretary of State, did not encounter opposition, no roll call votes, and appears about to become law.

Incorporated into LD 1169 are four of the six major reforms that I had advocated in LD 547, filed by Senator Peter Bowman (York).

The names of all Declared write-in candidates will be posted alongside

the Sample Ballot at all elections.

The requirement to include the municipality of residence for Declared

write-in candidates in a general election is eliminated.

A write-in candidate must declare at least 45 days in advance of an

election.  [Coincides with the availability of absentee ballots.]

The Secretary of State’s Election Return form shall include the names

of all candidates.  [Helps to ensure recording of votes.]

These reforms represent a significant improvement in fairness for Declared write-in candidates in future elections.  I am pleased to have been instrumental in the introduction of these modifications to election law and am appreciative of Senator Bowman’s sponsorship of the original legislation, LD 547.

Herb Hoffman also included some information about what he is doing these days, now that his write-in candidacy for US Senate is over:

I continue to be active in promoting platform issues that were at the heart of my Senate campaign.  These include:  anti-war/anti-militarism; preservation of the Constitution; accountability; single-payer health care.  I am also serving as Co-chair of Save Our Water, a southern York County group that is dedicated to protecting water as a community asset.

I urge all to attend a Single-Payer Health Care Rally in Augusta this Saturday, May 30, from 12 Noon to 2 PM at the Capitol Building.  For more information go to www.midcoasthealthreform.org