AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the hiring of Dr. Lelia De Andrade (photo) as Deputy Secretary of State for Equity and Inclusion effective March 29, 2023.  De Andrade is the first Black woman to serve as a Deputy Secretary in the Department’s history.

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the final wording of a referendum question on Monday.

The wording of the citizens’ initiative question entitled "An Act Regarding Automotive Right to Repair" will be:

"Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities?"

AUGUSTA — The Scarborough Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch will be closed temporarily starting May 2 to allow for further repair work following the broken roof drain in February. The branch is expected to be closed for 10-12 days while work is ongoing.

Following this winter’s coldest days in February, a roof drain above the office broke, sending water cascading into the interior of the branch. Staff worked quickly to ensure safety of customers and ensure electronics were out of range of the water pouring from the ceiling.

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows signed the proclamation today announcing a special election for the Maine House District 45 seat will be held June 13, 2023.

This House seat was previously held by State Representative Clint Collamore, who resigned recently.

House District 45 is comprised of the towns of Bremen, Friendship, Waldoboro and Washington, as well as the unorganized township of Louds Island.

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was sworn into office for her third term today, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. 

Governor Janet Mills conducted the formal swearing-in of all the constitutional officers, which includes Secretary Bellows, State Treasurer Joseph Perry, Attorney General Aaron Frey; as well as the statutory office of State Auditor, Matthew Dunlap.

In her remarks following the swearing-in, Secretary Bellows shared a message of transparency and accessibility in continuing to serve the people of Maine.

AUGUSTA — On January 7, 2025, Kate McBrien was sworn as Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff for the Department of Secretary of State. Christian Cotz has been hired to serve as the acting State Archivist for Maine.

Augusta — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows appointed Dr. Lelia De Andrade as Deputy Secretary of State for Community Relations effective January 6, 2025.

The Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contest through the Secretary of State’s office is now accepting entries. Entries are due March 7, 2025.

The Maine Poster and Essay Contests are designed to promote the history of Maine, the Maine Constitution, and the importance of democracy and voting. This program is open to Maine students at all grade levels. In 2024 we received 162 entries from students all over Maine.