Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §335, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 161, §6, is amended to read:

2. By whom signed. A primary petition may be signed only by voters of the electoral division which that is to make the nomination and who are enrolled in the party named in the petition, except that candidates circulating petitions for State Senator and State Representative may collect signatures from voters of the electoral division that is to make the nomination who are not enrolled in a party in an amount equal to twice the amount required by subsection 5, paragraphs F and G. Other signatures are void.

Sec. 2. 21-A MRSA §335, sub-§5, ¶¶F and G, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 161, §6, are amended to read:

F. For a candidate for State Senator, at least 100 and not more than 150 voters except as provided by subsection 2; and

G. For a candidate for State Representative, at least 25 and not more than 40 voters except as provided by subsection 2.

SUMMARY

This bill permits a candidate for State Senator or State Representative to collect signatures for a primary election from voters in the candidate's electoral district regardless of their party enrollment as long as the candidate collects twice the amount required by current law.