1. Complaint – Referendum in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor
Due to a 2023 law change, persons raising or spending more than $5,000 to influence a municipal ballot question in a town or city with a population of less than 15,000 must register with the Commission as a ballot question committee and file campaign finance reports. In the last two months, print and digital advertisements in the Boothbay Register have promoted a “yes” vote on an April 24, 2024 school construction referendum. The advertisements indicate they were paid for by “Citizens for a Bright Future for the Boothbay Region.” No one has registered with the Commission under that name. Also, commercially printed road signs without any disclaimer have been distributed. The Commission staff recommends authorizing an investigation to confirm whether all disclosure requirements have been met.
Motion: To authorize the Commission staff to conduct an investigation of this complaint.
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
Executive Session (if necessary)
Other Business
ADJOURNMENT