AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the final wording of a referendum question on Friday, according to a news release from her office.

The wording of the citizens’ initiative question entitled "An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting" will be:

“Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”

The full text of the proposed bill is available for viewing on the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions’ Citizens’ Initiatives webpage, along with proponent information.

Secretary Bellows received 318 comments on the proposed ballot question during the 30-day public comment period, which was open March 12 through April 11. These comments, from individuals and organizations throughout the state, were taken into consideration to draft the final language of each ballot question, the release said.

The initiative went to the Legislature for consideration on March 14, per the provisions of the Maine Constitution. As the Legislature adjourned the First Regular Session on March 21 without enacting the underlying legislation as written, the initiative will appear on the statewide ballot in November 2025.

The Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions will be creating a Citizens’ Guide to the 2025 Election in the coming months and all voters are encouraged to read it to inform themselves of the details of the bills. 

In addition to the citizens’ initiative question, the November General Election ballot will include candidate races as well as bond issues and other referenda questions that the Legislature chose to send to the voters. Ballot questions will be included on the Upcoming Elections page.

For more information about the November 2025 election, visit maine.gov/sos/elections-voting/upcoming-elections. Information on voter registration and locating your polling place can also be found on the Corporations, Elections and Commissions website.