CHAPTER 298

S.P. 322 - L.D. 981

An Act To Ensure Segregation of Spoiled, Defective and Void

Ballots

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

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 a 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 or deputy warden shall write "Spoiled by voter" on the spoiled ballot, and 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 or deputy warden shall also mark "Replacement ballot issued" on the spoiled ballot. The election official shall then segregate the spoiled ballot with any other spoiled ballots in an envelope labeled "Spoiled ballots" and shall package and return the envelope of segregated ballots in accordance with section 698.__The Secretary of State shall provide the clerk of each municipality with either a label and instructions on proper handling of spoiled ballots or a special envelope printed with this label and instructions.

Sec. 2. 21-A MRSA §696, sub-§3, ¶B, as amended by PL 2001, c. 310, §40, is further amended to read: