1. Ratification of the Minutes of the July 23, 2025 Meeting
2. Public Hearing for Rulemaking
The Commission will hold a public hearing to receive any comments from the public on proposed amendments to Chapter 1 of the Commission’s rules.
3. Paid Radio Messages Promoting 2024 Legislative Candidates in Aroostook County
In October 2024, the Aroostook Democratic County Committee paid $1,999 to a local radio station to broadcast paid messages featuring six Democratic legislative nominees. The committee believed the payment was allowed under Maine Election Law because it promoted a slate of legislative candidates. Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommends finding that the candidates accepted an in-kind contribution of paid broadcast time in violation of the Maine Clean Election Act because each message featured one candidate, and did not list three or more candidates.
4. Request for Waiver of Late-Filing Penalty – ActBlue Maine PAC
The fundraising platform ActBlue has a registered PAC in Maine that discloses contributions from donors to Maine candidates and committees. The PAC was 14 days late filing a campaign finance report due July 15, 2025 covering the second quarter of 2024. ActBlue requests a waiver of the preliminary penalty of $683,731 because the PAC attempted in good faith to upload more than 13,000 transactions to the Commission’s efiling system but experienced processing delays and had to address other errors. Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommends a reduction of 80% - 85% and assessing a final penalty in the range of $102,560 - $136,746.
5. Late Registration by Protect ME – No Red Flag
Protect ME – No Red Flag is a ballot question committee formed by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine to oppose the red flag citizen initiative on the November 2025 ballot. Based on the date the ballot question committee exceeded the $5,000 registration threshold, it appears the committee registered 26 days late on July 1, 2025. Staff recommendation: the staff recommends finding that Protect ME - No Red Flag registered 26 days late and assessing a penalty of $500.
6. Audits of Maine Clean Election Act Candidates
Through a contract with an accounting firm, the Commission audits the financial activity of 20% of legislative candidates who participate in the Maine Clean Election Act program. The Commission’s auditors will update the Commission on their review of 2024 legislative candidates.
7. Legislation to Implement Working Group’s Recommendations
The Commission will consider legislation that would implement the recommendations of a working group formed by the Commission to simplify campaign finance reporting deadlines close to a general election.
Other Business
Executive Session (if necessary)
ADJOURNMENT