• Read more about REAL ID enforcement deadline less than a year away

AUGUSTA — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID enforcement deadline is less than a year away – May 3, 2023.

While the standard Maine credential is valid for all in-state purposes, as of May 3, 2023, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a REAL ID-compliant State ID, a valid U.S. passport, passport card or other federally-issued identity document to fly domestically, or access federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

• Read more about Secretary reminds Mainers of ability to conduct some BMV business online

Customer visits up at BMV branches up 22 percent this summer

AUGUSTA — Bureau of Motor Vehicle data shows that customer visits per week are up 22 percent over the summer of 2021. For the first week of August, there were 11,371 total customer visits in 2022. In 2021, the same week saw 7,954 customer visits.

"Summer is a busy time at the BMV, and 2022 is busier than we've ever been," said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. "Mainers should be aware that many of the transactions they need to complete are available online � and can be done at their convenience."

• Read more about Maine had highest voter turnout in November 2022 election

AUGUSTA — Maine voters turned out to vote at a higher rate than voters in any other state in the November 2022 General Election at 61.8% turnout of citizens of voting age population. When looking at turnout as a percentage of active registered voters, the number was even higher – 73.3% of active registered Maine voters participated in the 2022 election.

• Read more about Sec. Bellows, Gov. Mills, Maine Suffrage Centennial to Unveil Historic Women’s Suffrage Marker at State House

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Governor Janet Mills and members of the Maine Suffrage Centennial will hold a ribbon cutting on Friday for the new historic marker at the State House commemorating Maine’s ratification of the 19th Amendment on November 5, 1919.

• Read more about Bill introduced to modernize liens and titling at BMV

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows testified in favor of a bill to advance an electronic lien and title system at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles during a public hearing in the Legislature’s Transportation Committee on Thursday.

The bill, L.D. 1843, "An Act To Allow the Secretary of State To Use an Electronic Lien Titling Program for the Purposes of the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act" was introduced by Rep. Mike Perkins, R-Oakland.

• Read more about Secretary Bellows to visit polling locations on Primary Election Day

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will visit polling places around Maine on June 14, 2022, the last day of voting for the Primary Election and the Senate District 7 Special Election.

Maine, from local election clerks to the state’s Division of Elections, conducts accessible, safe and secure elections. Mainers should be proud of our high voter participation rates, the accuracy our of voting counts (which are routinely verified through recounts of close races), and that every U.S. citizen who is a Maine resident at least 18 years of age has the right to vote in our state.

• Read more about Secretary Bellows Announces Ballot Recount for Somerset County Commissioner Race

AUGUSTA — A recount of ballots cast has been scheduled for Somerset County Commissioner District 5 race, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced today.

• Read more about BMV Branches Only Open to Appointments Today

AUGUSTA — Due to a serious threat against Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) branch offices potentially from a aggrieved customer, the 13 BMV branches around Maine will only be open to scheduled appointments for the remainder of Tuesday.

• Read more about Student Mock Election to be Held This Week

AUGUSTA — The Maine Student Mock Election will be held this week, with students at 155 schools around the state participating.

"Holding mock elections is a great way for students to get hands-on learning about the electoral process, our government, and the importance of being involved and making their voices heard," said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. "Civics education is a vital component of students’ lifelong learning. Mock elections are civics education in action."

• Read more about Absentee voting underway in 2024 Presidential Primary Election

AUGUSTA — No-excuse absentee voting has begun for Maine’s March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election.

The Democratic and Republican Parties are holding presidential primaries. The Green Independent, Libertarian, and No Labels Parties did not choose to hold presidential primaries. There is also a Special Election in House District 122, which encompasses part of South Portland.