Bills to Watch: Voter ID (LD 34)
LD 34, sponsored by Sen. Matt Pouliot (R-Kennebec), would create new voter identification requirements in Maine.
Under the bill, a voter who wishes to vote must present proof of identity in the form of photographic identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license or identification card issued by the state, a passport, military identification or a permit to carry a concealed handgun. The bill explicitly states that a photographic identification card issued by a college or university in the state does not meet the requirement.
If a voter wants to vote but does not possess one of the acceptable forms of identification listed above, the bill creates an avenue for a voter to receive a voter identification card from the Secretary of State’s Office free of charge. The bill would take effect on January 1, 2024 if enacted by lawmakers this session.
The full bill can be read here.
The bill will receive a public hearing before the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.