• Read more about Financial responsibility filings to BMV can now be submitted online

AUGUSTA — The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced a technological upgrade to the process that insurance companies must follow when helping suspended drivers restore their driving privilege.

"Streamlining the filing process through technology modernization reduces the burden on drivers, their insurance agents, and BMV staff – and just makes sense" said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. "An online process is already being used in many other states, and this move will improve Maine’s efficiency in processing the necessary filings."

• Read more about Maine voters can request absentee ballots for November 8 election

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced Monday that Maine voters may begin requesting absentee ballots for the November 8, 2022 General Election. While ballots themselves won't be available until 30 days before Election Day, Maine law allows voters to request ballots three months before Election Day.

• Read more about BMV to Unveil Appointments System

AUGUSTA — On Monday the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will unveil an appointment system for Mainers to schedule appointments at branch offices around the state.

"Mainers lead busy lives, and for a variety of reasons, many people have limited time for errands like renewing their license," said Secretary Bellows. "Launching appointments while maintaining walk-in options is a common sense step forward to better serve our customers."

• Read more about Rapid Renewal processes 2,500,000th online vehicle registration renewal

AUGUSTA — Last week the Department of Secretary of State’s online service for renewal of motor vehicle registrations, called Rapid Renewal, processed the 2,500,000th renewal.

Rapid Renewal is an optional service which towns and cities can participate in, and is currently available for residents of 326 Maine towns and cities. Residents of all municipalities continue to have the option to renew their motor vehicle registrations in-person at their town office or city hall.

• Read more about Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women releases biennial report

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women released its 2022 report, "Count Us In: Maine Women, Data, and the Care Economy" to the Maine Legislature and Governor Janet Mills.

The Commission is a government appointed group dedicated to improving opportunities for women and girls which prepares a biennial report for the legislature that reflects the current status of women and girls in Maine and recommends policy options that will improve their lives.

• Read more about Sec. Bellows’ statement on passing of Augusta Rep. Donna Doore

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows released the following statement on the passing of Augusta Rep. Donna Doore:

• Read more about Calais BMV branch temporarily closed

Calais — The Calais Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch is closed for the rest of the day.

The branch will reopen for indoor services as soon as possible. Other BMV branch offices, including Ellsworth, are currently open.

We will provide an update with an anticipated reopening time when it is known.

• Read more about Secretary of State Hosts Cybersecurity Summit for Local Election Officials

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows hosted the Maine Elections Cybersecurity Summit and Training for local election officials on Tuesday. The virtual gathering was attended by more than 100 clerks and featured presentations from elections and cybersecurity staff from the Department of Secretary of State, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Maine Office of Information Technology.

• Read more about Pierce introduces proposal to protect election integrity

AUGUSTA – Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, introduced a measure Wednesday that would safeguard Maine's elections against ballot and voting equipment interference.

• Read more about Absentee Ballot Requests Surpass 2018 Total

AUGUSTA — According to data from the Secretary of State, absentee ballot requests for the 2022 General Election have surpassed the total number of requests from the 2018 General Election. With three more full days of no-excuse absentee voting to go, 211,359 absentee ballot requests have been submitted, compared to 196,710 in 2018.