RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Provide for the Popular Election of the Treasurer of State
Summary
LD150 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the office of Treasurer of State from an office selected by the Legislature to one filled by popular election. Under the resolution, Maine voters would be asked at a statewide referendum whether to amend the Constitution so that the Treasurer of State is elected biennially, in the same manner as members of the House and Senate. The measure also provides that the first popular election would begin in 2026.
The bill includes referendum procedures for placing the question before voters, counting ballots, and proclaiming the result if a majority approves the amendment. It also addresses vacancies in the office, stating that the deputy treasurer would serve until a Treasurer is elected under the new system, and that a vacancy may be filled by a new election. If adopted, the amendment would alter the constitutional method of selecting the state treasurer and shift the office from legislative appointment to direct voter choice.
Impact
LD150 would amend the Maine Constitution and change the selection process for the Treasurer of State, moving the office from election by the Legislature to election by the people. This would affect the constitutional provisions governing the treasurer’s office, vacancy handling, and the timing and manner of elections, while also requiring the Secretary of State and local election officials to administer the referendum and any resulting statewide elections for the office.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the proposal faced mixed or divided support rather than broad consensus. The recorded votes on the majority ought-to-pass-as-amended report were close and ultimately unsuccessful, indicating that the bill generated significant debate but did not secure enough support to advance. No committee transcript is available, so the discussion record does not show detailed arguments, but the narrow margins point to a contested measure.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether the Treasurer of State should be chosen by the Legislature or directly by voters. Supporters likely favored greater democratic accountability and popular election of a statewide constitutional officer, while opponents likely preferred retaining legislative selection to preserve the existing structure and avoid changing the constitutional appointment process. The close vote totals suggest disagreement over both the policy merits and the institutional implications of moving the office to a statewide popular election.