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."

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.

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.

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.

AUGUSTA — Detectives from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Enforcement Services Division solved cases about stolen vehicles with Mainers as unsuspecting victims in recent weeks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."