New Protections for Election Workers
Training for: Legal Notes
Maine law now makes it a crime to intentionally interfere by force, violence, intimidation, or any physical act with any public official performing an official function relating to a federal, state, or municipal election. See PL 2021, c. 568 (eff. 8/8/22). Violation of the law is a Class D crime punishable by up to 364 days incarceration and up to a $2,000 fine.
The new law also directs the Secretary of State (SOS) to provide election officials with training on the de-escalation of conflicts and the process for reporting threats or harassment of public officials conducting a federal, state, or municipal election.
Beginning February 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the SOS must report the number and types of threats to, or harassment of, public officials during the previous year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over election matters. (S.F.P.)
Maine law now makes it a crime to intentionally interfere by force, violence, intimidation, or any physical act with any public official performing an official function relating to a federal, state, or municipal election. See PL 2021, c. 568 (eff. 8/8/22). Violation of the law is a Class D crime punishable by up to 364 days incarceration and up to a $2,000 fine.
The new law also directs the Secretary of State (SOS) to provide election officials with training on the de-escalation of conflicts and the process for reporting threats or harassment of public officials conducting a federal, state, or municipal election.
Beginning February 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the SOS must report the number and types of threats to, or harassment of, public officials during the previous year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over election matters. (S.F.P.)
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