An Act To Provide Funding for the Conduct of Elections

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation provides funding necessary to allow the Secretary of State to properly administer the general election to be held in November 2018; and

Whereas,  the election will take place prior to the expiration of the 90 days; 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,

Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF

Bureau of Administrative Services and Corporations 0692

Initiative: Provides one-time funding for additional ballots, leasing of software and a high-speed scanner and courier services to conduct the November 2018 general election.

GENERAL FUND	2017-18	2018-19
All Other	$0	$334,330
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$334,330

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill, which is the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, provides additional one-time funds to the Secretary of State for the administration of the general election in November 2018. The additional funds are necessary due to the need to include a separate ballot page.