Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1149

Introduced
3/20/25  
Refer
3/20/25  
Refer
3/25/25  

Caption

An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting

Impact

The implementation of LD1149 will significantly alter voting procedures and election processes in Maine. It requires voters without photographic identification to cast a challenged ballot, which they can later validate by presenting proper ID within four days after the election. The bill also limits absentee voting procedures by removing the ability to automatically receive ballots for each election without a new request, aiming to tighten controls on absentee ballot issuance and collection methods. Additionally, municipalities will be restricted to only one secured drop box for absentee ballot returns, further simplifying the process.

Summary

LD1149, titled 'An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting', mandates the presentation of photographic ID for both in-person and absentee voting in Maine. Acceptable forms of photographic ID include an unexpired Maine driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, and various other government-issued identifiers. The bill intends to strengthen electoral integrity and reduce vote fraud concerns, a topic which has been heavily debated in many states across the U.S.

Sentiment

The sentiment around LD1149 appears to be deeply divided. Supporters argue it will enhance election security and restore public confidence in the voting process by ensuring that only eligible voters can cast ballots, reflecting a broader trend among states aiming for tighter election laws. Opponents, however, view it as a potential barrier to voting, particularly for individuals lacking easy access to identification or those who have religious objections to being photographed, thereby infringing on their voting rights. These opposing views indicate a larger ideological conflict surrounding the assurance of election integrity versus the accessibility of the voting process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the provisions allowing individuals with religious objections to be photographed to cast a challenged ballot, which necessitates them to file an affidavit. Critics argue that these requirements may disproportionately affect marginalized groups and those who may not have the resources to comply with such identification requirements, leading to disenfranchisement. Furthermore, the bill's insistence on limiting absentee ballot access raises concerns about voter participation and accessibility, especially in a climate where voting access is a hotly-debated issue nationally.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1880

An Act to Require Photographic Identification for Voting

ME HB323

Requiring the presentation of a government-issued photographic means of identification in order to vote.

ME HB323

requiring the presentation of a government-issued photographic means of identification in order to vote.

ME LD38

An Act Requiring Photographic Identification for Voting

ME HF2392

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place required, certain voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, and money appropriated.

ME HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification. Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters. The bill also requires an election official to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

ME HF2177

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification required of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place, voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, criminal penalties increased, reports required, and money appropriated.

ME HB156

Securing our Elections Act of 2025This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification.Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters.The bill also requires a state to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

ME LD397

An Act to Require a Voter to Show Photographic Identification

ME A841

Requires registered voters to present identification when voting at polling place.

Similar Bills

ME LD1880

An Act to Require Photographic Identification for Voting

MS SB2063

Affidavit ballots; reduce length of time within which certain persons must present proper voter ID or execute religious exemption.

MS SB2093

Affidavit ballots; reduce length of time within which certain persons must present proper voter ID or execute religious exemption.

NJ S1736

Requires certain documentation as proof of voter identity to vote; updates procedures for challenging voters regarding proof of identity.

NJ A197

Requires certain documentation as proof of voter identity to vote; updates procedures for challenging voters regarding proof of identity.

NH HB385

Reestablishing voter identification exceptions.

OH HB577

Require photo ID for absent voting; revise voter registration law

WV HB3016

Photo voter ID.