AUGUSTA - A bill to protect public election officials in Maine, sponsored by Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, goes into effect today.
LD 1821 makes it a Class D crime to intentionally interfere by force, violence, intimidation or by any physical act with any public official who is performing an official function relating to a federal, state or municipal election. It further specifies that public officials include election officials, municipal clerks and registrars of voters.
The law directs the Maine Secretary of State (SOS) to develop a process for reporting election-related threats and harassment of public officials. The SOS must additionally incorporate de-escalation training and information on how to report these incidents in the training provided to municipal clerks and registrars of voters.
"Since November 2020, there has been an alarming increase in the number of death threats and violence made against election workers and officials across the country including here in our home state," said White. "No local election official should have to worry about violent threats just for doing their job. I am proud to have supported this important measure to protect those who work so hard to protect our democracy."
"Protecting our election workers is key to protecting democracy itself, said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. "This new law provides updated tools for us to continue to ensure the security of Maine's elections."
White, who represents part of Waterville, is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives. He sits on the Legislature's Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Katie Walsh [White], c. 776-2122
Emily Cook [Bellows], c. 441-0405