The Senate supported the measure on a 22-12 party-line vote, with Republicans in opposition, a day after it won preliminary approval in the House.
Elections
Open primaries bill clears both Maine House and Senate
The House voted 92-52 to support allowing unenrolled voters to vote in a party’s primary without having to register in that party.
Bill to allow ‘semi-open primaries’ in Maine takes step forward
If it’s approved by the full Legislature, independent voters will be allowed to vote in a political party’s primary during each election cycle without having to enroll in that party.
Lawsuit seeks to split upcoming power line ballot question into three issues
Rep. Christopher Caiazzo, D-Scarborough, filed the lawsuit last week in Cumberland County Superior Court.
Oakland Republican jumps into 2nd District congressional race
Michael Perkins hopes to unseat two-term U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Lewiston Democrat, in the 2022 political contest.
Democrat handily wins U.S. House race in New Mexico
Melanie Stansbury will replace Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, preserving an all-female House delegation for the state.
Bill to open primaries in Maine gains support from Olympia Snowe
Former Republican U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and former lawmakers seeking to open Maine’s party primaries to unenrolled voters.
Three seeking 3-year selectman’s seat in Livermore Falls
William Kenniston, Nixon Ortiz and Joshua Tainter running for election June 8.
Wording approved for power line ballot question
The state received 119 comments on the proposed question, which will go to voters Nov. 2, during a 30-day public comment period.
Legislature rejects bill to make Election Day a state holiday
But a bill to boost pay for school support staff to $16 an hour advances in what was likely lawmakers’ last meeting at the Augusta Civic Center.