New Pine Tree Plate unveiled by BMV
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Deputy Secretary of State for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Cathie Curtis unveiled the design of the new Pine Tree Plate today.
Disability Voting Rights Week: September 9-13
AUGUSTA — Disability Voting Rights Week is being recognized this year from September 9 to 13.
Maine’s election laws and policies encourage participation by voters with disabilities in many ways, which is one of the reasons Maine routinely leads the nation in voter turnout among the states.
Permanent Commission on the Status of Women hires Executive Director
AUGUSTA — Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW) announced the hiring of Elinor Higgins as Executive Director on Monday. Higgins is the first person to serve in this new role.
"I can’t wait to continue and expand the great work of this important commission and to be an advocate for Maine women and girls," said Higgins. "The incredible PCSW commission members have been providing critical information to Maine’s policymakers, and it’s a legacy I am thrilled to join."
REAL ID enforcement by TSA one year away
AUGUSTA — One year from today – May 7, 2025 – US travelers that provide a state-issued ID or license to TSA prior to boarding domestic flights must present a REAL ID compliant credential.
While the standard Maine credential is valid for all in-state purposes, as of May 7, 2025, 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.
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.
Howland residents can now renew vehicle registrations online
AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has announced that Howland has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations.
Through Rapid Renewal, Mainers can quickly and easily renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online at any time. Rapid Renewal allows Mainers to conduct business with municipal and state government in one seamless online transaction.
BMV detectives crack stolen vehicle cases
AUGUSTA — Detectives from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Enforcement Services Division solved cases about stolen vehicles with Mainers as unsuspecting victims in recent weeks.
Dixmont and Moscow residents can now renew vehicle registrations online
AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has announced that Dixmont and Moscow have launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations.
Through Rapid Renewal, Mainers can quickly and easily renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online at any time. Rapid Renewal allows Mainers to conduct business with municipal and state government in one seamless online transaction.
Flag contest winning design unveiled
AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the winner of the Maine State Flag Redesign Contest – Adam Lemire of Gardiner – on Monday and unveiled his design which was chosen as the model design for the potential new flag.
Secretary Bellows visits White House for Women’s History Month Celebration
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday Secretary of State Shenna Bellows visited the White House for a Women’s History Month celebration. Secretary Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State over the state’s 203 year history, but only the first woman to hold the position.