Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §693, as amended by PL 1997, c. 436, §99, is further amended to read:

§693. Spoiled ballots

If a voter spoils the ballot, the voter may obtain a replacement, not more than twice, by returning the spoiled ballot to the election clerk in charge of issuing ballots. The warden or ward clerk shall write "Spoiled by voter" on the spoiled ballot, sign it and place it in an envelope marked "Spoiled ballots." If a replacement ballot is issued to the voter, the warden or ward clerk must also mark "Replacement ballot issued" on the spoiled ballot. Spoiled ballots must remain segregated in the labeled envelope and that segregated envelope of spoiled ballots must be packaged and returned in accordance with section 698.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that spoiled ballots be packaged and returned in a segregated, labeled envelope.