Proposed Initiative Ballot Question / Public Comment

Notice of Public Comment Period - August 2, 2017 - September 1, 2017

Among the items that will be presented to the voters at the November Referendum Election, are two Direct Initiatives of Legislation (i.e. Citizen Initiatives). Under Maine's Constitution, the Secretary of State is responsible for preparing the ballots for direct initiatives “in such form as to present the question or questions concisely and intelligibly.” Below are the Secretary of State's proposed ballot questions for the initiatives that will appear on the November 7, 2017 ballot.

Maine law, Title 21-A §905-A, requires that the Secretary of State provide a 30-day public comment period for the purpose of receiving comments on the content and form of proposed questions to be placed on the ballot for any pending initiatives.

Public comments must be received by the Secretary of State prior to the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on September 1, 2017.

Written comments may be filed with the Secretary of State in the following ways:

  • By email at sos.office@maine.gov; use subject line Public Comment;
  • By mail at Secretary of State, Attn: Public Comment, 148 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0148; or
  • By hand at: Office of the Secretary of State, Nash School Bldg., 103 Sewall St., 2nd Floor, Augusta, ME.


Proposed Initiative Ballot Questions

TITLE: An Act To Allow Slot Machines or a Casino in York County

Do you want to allow a certain out-of-state company to operate table games and/or slot machines in York County, subject to state and local approval, with part of the profits going to specific programs?

Legislation

TITLE: An Act To Enhance Access to Affordable Health Care

Do you want Maine to provide health insurance through Medicaid for qualified adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty line (which is now about $16,000 for a single person and $22,000 for a family of two)?

Legislation