Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §301, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 1999, c. 450, §1, is further amended to read:

B. The party held a state convention as prescribed by Article III 3 during the election year in which the designation was listed on the ballot and any interim election year; and

Sec. 2. 21-A MRSA §301, sub-§1, ¶C, as amended by PL 1999, c. 450, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

C.__Either:

(1)__Its candidate for Governor or for President polled at least 5% of the total vote cast in the State for Governor or President in either of the 2 preceding general elections; or

(2)__The party has maintained enrollment of members equal to or greater than 0.5% of all registered voters in the State according to the most current tabulation of registered voters performed by the Secretary of State.

SUMMARY

This bill allows a recognized political party to maintain its qualified status by either receiving 5% of the ballots cast for Governor or President in either of the 2 preceding general elections or maintaining an enrollment of members equal to 0.5% of all registered voters in the State.