• 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 Secretary Bellows appoints Dr. Lelia De Andrade as Deputy Secretary

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the hiring of Dr. Lelia De Andrade (photo) as Deputy Secretary of State for Equity and Inclusion effective March 29, 2023.  De Andrade is the first Black woman to serve as a Deputy Secretary in the Department’s history.

• Read more about Secretary Bellows Announces Final Wording on Referendum Question

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the final wording of a referendum question on Monday.

The wording of the citizens’ initiative question entitled "An Act Regarding Automotive Right to Repair" will be:

"Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities?"

• Read more about Scarborough BMV to be Closed Temporarily

AUGUSTA — The Scarborough Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch will be closed temporarily starting May 2 to allow for further repair work following the broken roof drain in February. The branch is expected to be closed for 10-12 days while work is ongoing.

Following this winter’s coldest days in February, a roof drain above the office broke, sending water cascading into the interior of the branch. Staff worked quickly to ensure safety of customers and ensure electronics were out of range of the water pouring from the ceiling.

• Read more about Special election set to fill House District 45 seat

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows signed the proclamation today announcing a special election for the Maine House District 45 seat will be held June 13, 2023.

This House seat was previously held by State Representative Clint Collamore, who resigned recently.

House District 45 is comprised of the towns of Bremen, Friendship, Waldoboro and Washington, as well as the unorganized township of Louds Island.

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• Read more about Secretary Bellows Sworn in for 3rd term as Maine’s 50th Secretary of State

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was sworn into office for her third term today, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. 

Governor Janet Mills conducted the formal swearing-in of all the constitutional officers, which includes Secretary Bellows, State Treasurer Joseph Perry, Attorney General Aaron Frey; as well as the statutory office of State Auditor, Matthew Dunlap.

In her remarks following the swearing-in, Secretary Bellows shared a message of transparency and accessibility in continuing to serve the people of Maine.

• Read more about Katherine (Kate) McBrien promoted from Maine State Archivist to Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff for the Department of Secretary of State

AUGUSTA — On January 7, 2025, Kate McBrien was sworn as Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff for the Department of Secretary of State. Christian Cotz has been hired to serve as the acting State Archivist for Maine.