Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD852

Introduced
2/28/23  
Refer
2/28/23  
Refer
2/28/23  
Engrossed
6/16/23  
Enrolled
6/20/23  

Caption

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Change the Length of Legislators' Terms to 4 Years

Impact

Should LD852 be enacted, it would directly amend the constitutional provisions governing the election cycles of state lawmakers. This could potentially lead to a more stable legislative environment as legislators could prioritize longer-term strategies and policies without the frequent interruptions of elections. Additionally, the change may affect political party dynamics and campaign strategies, as candidates would have to adjust to the new timeline for elections and legislative agenda-setting.

Summary

LD852 is a proposed amendment to the Constitution of Maine that seeks to extend the length of terms for State Senators and members of the House of Representatives from two years to four years, beginning with the general election in 2024. The bill proposes a significant change in the electoral schedule of Maine's legislature, altering the election cycle to every four years instead of the current biennial system. The intention behind this amendment is to provide legislators with longer terms, allowing them to focus more on governance without being constantly in election mode.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD852 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that longer terms will benefit governance and enhance legislative efficacy. Critics, however, express concerns regarding the risks of reduced accountability, fearing that longer terms could lead to complacency among elected officials. This division reflects a broader debate on the balance between stability in governance and the need for regular accountability through elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention around LD852 include the debate over the appropriateness of extending legislative terms. Advocates argue that this change would allow for continuity and deeper engagement in policy-making, while opponents raise concerns about the potential loss of voter influence over legislators. This discussion encompasses broader themes about the role of elections in ensuring that representatives remain responsive to their constituents' needs, which might be compromised with longer term lengths.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1331

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Change Term Limit Time Periods and the Frequency of Elections of Legislators

ME HJR123

Proposing a constitutional amendment extending the length of the terms of members of the legislature.

ME LD944

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Improve Representation and Simplify Legislative Redistricting

ME LD1885

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Improve Representation by Simplifying Legislative Redistricting for the Maine House of Representatives

ME LD1917

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Implement Ranked-choice Voting for Governor, State Senator and State Representative

ME HJR140

Proposing a constitutional amendment on the length of legislative terms and number of years a person may serve in the legislature.

ME HJR140

Proposing a constitutional amendment on the length of legislative terms and number of years a person may serve in the legislature.

ME SJ00031

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Allow Early Voting.

ME SJ00014

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Permit Early Voting.

ME H7119

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE-OF ELECTIONS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE (Proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing four (4) year terms for members of the general assembly, elected members from even numbered districts would begin to be elected to four (4) year terms.)

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