AUGUSTA — State lawmakers are contemplating a bill that would limit the use of video recording at Maine polling places, after complaints a group that was recording those signing ballot petitions may have been intimidating voters in 2015.

“This law is about ensuring that polling places can serve their most crucial function, which is to facilitate our democratic process,” Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, said. 

Diamond also served as Maine’s secretary of state, the office responsible for overseeing state elections.

The change would require those wanting to record at the polling places to stay at least 15 feet away from voters.

“Those who want to video record at the polling place should be free to do so, as long as they don’t interfere with voters’ activities or needlessly intimidate them,” Diamond said. “This bill would set reasonable rules about what is and isn’t allowed.”

Meanwhile, Maine Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn said the bill, LD 1574, was “reasonable regulation.”

“As long as the videotaping does not interfere with or intimidate people trying to vote or sign a petition, it can be accommodated at the voting place,” she said. “We believe the 15-foot distance provision addresses the issue of interference and intimidation.”

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap also offered testimony supporting the change, which is also backed by the Maine Municipal Association. Elections are largely operated at the town and city level in Maine, where municipal clerks run elections.

The bill was heard Monday before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which oversees state election law. There was no testimony in opposition to the measure.

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