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Resolve, Authorizing Municipalities To Consolidate Voting Districts for a Special Election
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  it is possible that a special election for bond issues may be called before the expiration of that 90-day period; and
Whereas,  voter turnout is often low for a special election; and
Whereas,  it is costly for municipalities to staff all voting places during an election; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1 Municipalities authorized to consolidate voting districts. Resolved: That, notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 21-A, section 631, a municipality may consolidate voting districts for the purpose of holding a special election on bond issues in 2007. A municipality that chooses to consolidate voting districts shall hold a public hearing on the planned consolidation. Plans to consolidate districts must be submitted to the Secretary of State at least 35 days prior to the special election.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.