An Act To Establish an Open Primary System in the State

Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §341  is enacted to read:

§ 341.  Common primary ballot

The names of all candidates for Governor, United States Senator and Representative to Congress, including candidates enrolled in a party and unenrolled candidates, must appear on the same primary ballot. Notwithstanding sections 111, 144 and 340, all voters, regardless of enrollment status, vote using identical ballots for candidates for these offices. Only the names of the 2 candidates who receive the most votes at the primary election for these offices may appear on the ballot for the general election.

SUMMARY

This bill provides that the names of all candidates for Governor, United States Senator and Representative to Congress, including candidates enrolled in a party and unenrolled candidates, must appear on the same primary ballot. All voters, regardless of enrollment status, vote using identical ballots for candidates for these offices. Only the names of the 2 candidates who receive the most votes at the primary election for these offices appear on the ballot for the general election.