Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can register and vote in Maine?
- How do I register to vote?
- Where do I go to register?
- Is there a deadline for registering?
- Where do I go to vote?
- How do I mark a ballot?
- Can I have help voting?
- Do I need to go to the polls on Election Day to vote?
- What is absentee voting and how does it work?
- Who may vote absentee?
- When can I request an absentee ballot?
- How do I apply for and receive an absentee ballot?
- How do I locate and contact my municipal clerk?
- Can I vote by absentee ballot in person somewhere?
- When must my voted ballot be returned to my municipal clerk?
- Are there any other ways to receive an absentee ballot?
- What if I still have questions about registering or voting in Maine?
- What are the laws governing the citizen initiative process?
- How does someone start a citizen initiative petition?
- Who decides the wording of the initiative legislation?
- Who decides the wording of the ballot question?
- How is the petition form prepared?
- How long can the proponents gather signatures for an initiative?
- How many signatures are needed for the petition to be valid?
- What is the annual deadline to submit a petition to the Secretary of State in order for the question to appear on that year’s ballot?
- What is the deadline for the Secretary of State to determine the validity of a petition?
- What happens after the Secretary of State determines a petition to be valid?
- If the voters approve an initiative question at a November election, when does the new law become effective?
- When do proponents or opponents of an initiative have to register as Political Action Committees (PACs) and begin reporting contributions and expenditures?
- Is the Legislature restricted at any point in the initiative process from making changes to laws governing the subject matter addressed in an initiative?
- Are there restrictions on activities of State Agency personnel concerning a citizen initiative?
- Why is Enhanced 9-1-1 needed?
- Is Enhanced 9-1-1 available in all Maine communities?
- What is the key benefit of Enhanced 9-1-1?
- Under Enhanced 9-1-1, who answers my 9-1-1 calls and how are emergency responders dispatched?
- When should a caller use 9-1-1?
- Why is addressing a critical part of Enhanced 9-1-1?
- Are communities required to assign physical addresses?
- Will emergency responders be able to find me?
- Do communities have the authority to create physical addresses?
- What happens if a 9-1-1 caller's address is not correct?
- What happens if a person moves?
- What agency directs the development of Enhanced 9-1-1 service?
- How is Enhanced 9-1-1 service funded?
- What happens if I call 9-1-1 and there is a busy signal?
- Does 9-1-1 work from my cell phone?
- When I call 9-1-1 from my cell phone will the dispatchers know where I am?
- What is Phase I 9-1-1 service?
- What is Phase II 9-1-1 service?
- How far along is my cell phone company with implementing Phase II?
- Your website says my cell phone company finished Phase II. Will dispatchers know where I am now?
- How do I know if my phone is Phase II capable?
- How do the deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired persons use Enhanced
9-1-1?
- What is a 9-1-1 emergency?
- What number do you call for non-emergencies?
- Is misuse of 9-1-1 against the law?
- Is enhanced 9-1-1 available in towns with "RR Box" addresses?
- Street signs keep disappearing in my town, what can I do?
- How do I know what level of 9-1-1 service I have with my VoIP phone?
- How is a VoIP 9-1-1 call routed to the correct 9-1-1 center?
- What if my 9-1-1 call is misrouted to the wrong 9-1-1 center?
- Does 9-1-1 know where I am when calling from my VoIP phone?
- Can I call 9-1-1 from my VoIP phone when I’m traveling?
- Do service outages affect my ability to call 9-1-1?
- Should I keep my traditional phone line after I subscribe to VoIP service?
- Will my security monitoring service work with VoIP service?
- Can I dial 9-1-1 from my VoIP phone?
- How often do we get hurricanes in Maine and New Hampshire?
- How are hurricanes named?
- What was the greatest loss of life from storm surge in the United States?
- Do the strongest hurricanes produce the greatest rainfall amounts?
- When are tropical storms most likely to develop?
- How do I find out about the immigration status for myself or a family member?
- How do I find out about passport and ID requirements for traveling outside the United States?
- How strong is lightning and how fast does it move?
- Why shouldn't I just drive through a flooded road?
- How can you tell how far a flash of lightning is away from you?
- Are there any signs that a lightning strike is imminent?
- Is it safe to talk on a cordless phone during a thunderstorm?
- What are the chances that a person will be struck by lightning during his or her lifetime?
- How Enforcement Works
- Who Is Protected
- Elements Of A Violation
- Restraining Orders and Civil Penalties
- Violation Of The Restraining Order
- Clues That Indicate Bias Motivation
- Other Enforcement Options
- How may I obtain a Medical Examiner's report on a case which was certified by the office?
- I have been told that my relative needs an autopsy. What does this mean in terms of a death certificate. Will I have to delay the funeral?
- I need to talk directly with the doctor who did the autopsy.
- I need a copy of the completed death certificate. What should I do?
- The death certificate I received indicates that the case is Pending. I need a Cause of Death for the insurance. What should I do?
- I am a student who is interested in becoming a Medical Examiner. Can I spend some time doing Job Shadowing? What kinds of courses should I take in school?
- How do I make a claim of good cause?
- What evidence do I need to support a claim of good cause?
- How do I find a Family Child Care or a Child Care Facility?
- Is there a webpage that lists the child care licensing rules?
- How do I report a complaint of abuse or neglect or a complaint regarding licensing violations?
- If I want to operate a child care from my home, do I need to be licensed?
- Does the Department of Health and Human Services have rules for family child care providers?
- If I want to provide child care for more than 2 children, who are not related to me, at a place that is not my residence, for some type of payment, do I need to be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services?
- Does the Department of Health and Human Services have rules for child care facilities?
- How can I determine whether a child care is licensed or not?
- Who do I contact if I have concerns about a licensed or an unlicensed child care?
- Who is required to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of children to the Department of Health and Human Services?
- If I have appealed a decision by the Department of Health and Human Services, are there any rules that govern the Administrative Hearing process?
- If I have appealed a decision by the Department of Health and Human Services, are there any rules that govern the Administrative Hearing process?
- Are there regulations for Nursing Facilities?
- How do I obtain a list of licensed Nursing Facilities or Assisted Housing Programs (which includes an assisted living facility, residential care facility and private non-medical institution)?
- How do I report a complaint of abuse or neglect at a Nursing Facility or an Assisted Housing Program?
- How do I report a complaint regarding licensing violations at a Nursing Facility or an Assisted Housing Program?
- How do I find out if I am eligible for MaineCare?
- Does Medicare pay for any prescription drugs?
- Where can I get information about whether my estate will have to pay back for benefits I receive under MaineCare after age 55?
- Does MaineCare pay for braces?
- Does MaineCare pay for eyeglasses?
- Does MaineCare pay for out-of-state services?
- If I contest my ticket, do I have to appear in court in person?
- What is an advance directive?
- What issues can be covered by an advance directive?
- How do I revoke an advance directive?
- What form do I use?
- A member of my family was murdered. The system is confusing, and I am overwhelmed. Does your office provide help?
- What is the role of the Medical Examiner in Homicide Cases?
- Is the State doing anything about unsolved homicides?
- When will the trial be scheduled?
- How do I know if something is against the law?
- I have been subpoenaed to testify in a criminal case. What do I need to know about testifying?
- I am the victim of a crime. Do I have any rights?
- What's the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?
- What is probation? Is it different than parole?
- How does the Judge figure out what sentence to impose?
- Does Maine have the death penalty? What is the longest sentence that can be imposed?
- What are felonies and misdemeanors?
- How do I find an attorney to represent me?
- Do I always have three days to revoke a contract?
- Must door-to-door driveway pavers be licensed?
- How can I get on the National Do Not Call List?
- Is the check I just received in the mail valid?
- Should I believe mail or telephone announcements that I have won a big prize?
- Can you ever refuse to pay for a purchase you made by credit card?
- If you are sick or the weather turns bad and you decide to cancel your hotel reservation, are you entitled to a refund?
- Are pyramid schemes legal?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason, even in the winter?
- Is a landlord required to pay you interest on your Security Deposit?
- If a landlord wants to evict you, can the landlord cut off your utilities?
- If you buy a defective consumer good, can you immediately reject it and get your money back?
- If you buy a consumer good and the express warranty expires, are you out of luck if it proves defective?
- Does a store have to give a cash refund?
- Does a Used Car dealer have to give you any warranty?
- Can you place a stop-payment order on a check if you received a poor repair job?
- What is the Maine Lemon Law?
- Can you refuse to make a car payment if your car is not working well?
- What is identity theft and how can I avoid it?
- If your financial identity information is stolen, what should you do about it?
- If I find a charge on my credit card bill for something I never agreed to buy, what can I do?
- Are free vacation offers really free?
- What documents are accepted for entry into the United States via land or sea by U.S. and Canadian citizens?
- What happens if I don’t have any documents when I cross the border at a land or sea port of entry?
- What is a Passport Card?
- What is an enhanced driver’s license?
- What are the NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST programs?
- How do I apply for a passport or passport card?
- Where can I go to obtain a birth certificate?
- Does my birth certificate need to be an original or a certified copy?
- How do Border Crossing requirements affect Native Americans?
- How do new Border Crossing requirements affect first Responders or medical emergency situations?
- How do new Border Crossing requirements affect passengers going on cruises ?
- How are ferries and small boats (pleasure vessels) affected by new Border Crossing procedures?
- Will boaters with an I-68 registration need a passport?
- Will there be a fee charged to contest my ticket?
- Where do I appear for my hearing?
- When can I speak with the District Attorney?
- After I have contested my ticket, how long does it take to get a hearing date?
- How will I be notified of my hearing date?
- What if I miss my hearing?
- If I want to contest my ticket but I am beyond the 20 days, can I still have a court date?
- What if I cannot attend the scheduled hearing?
- My case was continued, how and when will I be notified of the new hearing?
- What if my motion to continue is denied by the Judge?
- Do you have telephonic hearings?
- How do I fill out the back of my ticket if I want a hearing?
- If I live out of state or country, can I send a letter explaining my case to a Judge?
- Can I pay my ticket on the Web or by telephone if it is contested?
- How can I change my plea if I no longer want to contest the violation?
- What authority establishes a requirement for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program for the Maine Superior Court?
- Is this "mandatory" ADR ?
- What forms of ADR are available?
- When must ADR take place?
- Who selects a neutral?
- How do parties know which neutrals are on the court-approved rosters?
- What is the neutral's fee for conducting ADR?
- Who pays the neutral?
- What is an "ADR conference," as referred to in Rule 16B?
- Who must attend an ADR conference?
- Does the neutral receive documents in advance of the ADR conference?
- Where is an ADR conference held?
- Can an ADR conference be held by telephone?
- How long does an ADR conference last?
- What Do CASA Volunteers Do?
- How Do CASA Volunteers Advocate for the Child's Best Interests?
- Who Can Become a CASA Volunteer?
- How Can I Become a CASA Volunteer?
- I Would Like More Information About CASA
- What Training is Available for CASA Volunteers?
- Where Can a CASA Volunteer Turn For Help?
- Do drug courts work?
- Do drug courts save money?
- Are drug courts "Soft on Crime"?
- What can a participant expect to receive for substance abuse treatment while in Maine's Drug Court?
- What is a Family Law Magistrate?
- What happens at a case management conference in a family matters proceeding?
- How do I start a divorce or other family matter proceeding?
- How much will the court case cost?
- What do I do if the other party is not complying with the court's order or if I believe the order should be changed?
- What happens if I am ordered to participate in mediation?
- What is a guardian ad litem?
- If the court orders the other parent to pay child support, how do I collect it?
- What is CASA?
- What do I do if my child has been removed from my home as part of a child protection proceeding?
- How do I get a restraining order (Protection from Abuse Order)?
- What is a Guardian ad Litem?
- How does someone become a Guardian ad Litem in a particular case?
- Who is eligible to be considered for placement on the Guardian ad Litem roster?
- What is the "Core Training" requirement?
- Is there a Continuing Education Requirement?
- Are persons listed on the GAL roster guaranteed that they will receive appointments as a GAL in individual cases?
- Are persons listed on the GAL roster authorized to serve in both Title 19-A and Title 22 cases, or are they restricted to Title 19-A or Title 22 cases?
- What steps should you take to become rostered as a GAL in Maine?
- Must individuals who wish to volunteer to serve as a GAL as part of Maine's CASA program be rostered by the Chief Judge of the Maine District Court?
- Where can you get additional information?
- Wills, estates and other probate matters are under the jurisdiction of each County Register of Probate. See below for telephone numbers for each county.
- Where can I find legal information for tenants and landlords?
- Where can I find general Information about Small Claims?
- Where can I get assistance with Small Claims forms preparation?
- How long do I have to pay my fine?
- Who do I make my check/money order payable to?
- How can I pay my ticket?
- Will my license be suspended if my fine does not get paid on time?
- How do I fill out the back of my ticket if I want to pay my fine?
- Do you go by the postmark date?
- Can I pay my ticket by credit card?
- What if my bank has notified me that my check has bounced?
- Can I pay my ticket on the Web or by telephone if it is contested?
- What address do you use to send me information?
- What if I want a hearing on a violation, but want to pay other violations?
- How do I get my license reinstated?
- Where can I pay my reinstatement fees?
- Adjudicated
- Admitted
- Contested
- Defaulted
- Dismissed
- Vindicated
- How many days do I have to respond to my ticket?
- Will a warrant be issued after 20 days?
- I lost my ticket, what should I do?
- Who do I make my check/money order payable to?
- How are the fine amounts decided?
- What if my mailing address changes?
- What if I had insurance at the time of the stop, but it was not in the vehicle?
- If I had insurance but did not submit it within 20 calendar days, can I still get the violation dismissed?
- Will my license be suspended if my fine does not get paid on time?
- What is the telephone number for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles?
- Will I get points on my driver's license?
- Will my home state be notified of my ticket?
- Will my insurance company be notified of my ticket?
- Do you go by the postmark date?
- Can I pay my ticket by credit card?
- What if my bank has notified me that my check has bounced?
- What type of reasonable accommodations does the Violations Bureau and the District Courts offer to people with special needs?
- What is the difference between the Violations Bureau and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles?
- Where is the Violations Bureau located - I need driving directions?
- How will the PSIC grant opportunity help my county go to narrow band?
- How will the PSIC grant opportunity help my county go to digital over the next several years?
- Will local EMA be included as part of the PSIC grant guidance?
- How will current communications capabilities and gaps be assessed?
- How is the PSIC money being divided up across the state?
- How is the PSIC project related to the COPS Technology grant?
- Maine got $7.5 million dollars for the PSIC grant. How is it being allocated?
- How can I make sure my school group or sports team can cross the border?
- What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?
- How is the United States working with Canada and Mexico to further the Travel Initiative?
- Who is eligible for PSIC funds?
- Why do some cellular companies allow first responders to hang equipment and others do not?
- What is MSCommNet and how is it going to lead to better communications?
- What does a P25 Compliant radio cost?
- Will The FCC narrowbanding requirement affect one way paging?
- If my county is submitting a grant application, do all communities within my county need to be NIMS compliant to be eligible to receive the benefits of the grant?
- Can a community within my county be eligible for PSIC Grant funding if it has not submitted CASM data?
- I notice the SCIP Appendices and Figures in the MEMA PSIC Communications Document Library are not accessible. How do I get access to these documents?
- What is the Freedom of Access Act?
- Are federal agencies covered by the Freedom of Access Act?
- Who enforces the Freedom of Access Act?
- What are the penalties for failure to comply with the Freedom of Access laws?
- Are elected officials required to take training on the Freedom of Access laws?
- Which elected officials are required to take Freedom of Access training?
- What does the training include?
- What is a public record?
- Do I have to be a citizen of this state to submit a Freedom of Access Act request for a public record?
- How do I make a Freedom of Access Act request for a public record?
- Is there a form that must be used to make a Freedom of Access Act request?
- Does my Freedom of Access Act request have to be in writing?
- What should I say in my request?
- Does an agency have to acknowledge receipt of my request?
- Can an agency ask me for clarification concerning my request?
- When does the agency or official have to make the records available?
- Does an agency have to produce records within 5 days of my request?
- Do I have to go to the agency to inspect the records or can I ask the agency or official to mail me the records?
- When may a governmental body refuse to release the records I request?
- What happens if a public record holds some information that is open to the public and some information that falls within an exception to the Freedom of Access Act?
- Does an agency have to explain why it denies access to a public record?
- What can I do if I believe an agency has unlawfully withheld a public record?
- May a governmental body ask me why I want a certain record?
- Can I ask that public reports or other documents be created, summarized or put in a particular format for me?
- I asked a public official a question about a record, but he/she didn't answer. Is he/she required to answer my question?
- What records must a public officer or agency keep, and how long do they have to keep them?
- Are an agency’s or official’s e-mails public records?
- Can an agency charge for public records?
- I cannot afford to pay the fees charged by the agency or official to research my request or copy the records. Can I get a waiver?
- Is a public agency or official required under the Freedom of Access Act to honor a “standing request” for information, such as a request that certain reports be sent to me automatically each month?
- What is a public proceeding?
- What does the law require with regard to public proceedings?
- When does a meeting or gathering of members of a public body or agency require public notice?
- What kind of notice of public proceedings does the Freedom of Access Act require?
- Can a public body or agency hold an emergency meeting?
- Can public bodies or agencies hold a closed meeting?
- Can the body or agency conduct all of its business during an executive session?
- What if I believe a public body or agency conducted improper business during an executive session?
- I received a yellow post card announcing the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program. What is that all about?
- What do I if I I can't find the Category Code for chargers or accessories listed in the Authorized Equipment List (AEL) that supports the equipment I am applying for?
- I can not find the Category Code for chargers or accessories listed in the Authorized Equipment List (AEL) that support the equipment I want to get funded. What do I do?
- Do training courses need to by certified by the Right to Know Advisory Committee?
- How do elected officials certify they have completed the training?
- Intervening in a Case
- Initiating a Case
- Following the Progress of a Case
- Commission Hearings and Deliberations
- Where is natural gas service offered in Maine?
- Does the MPUC regulate propane?
- How are my rates for Natural Gas determined?
- What is the CGA?
- How can I compare the price for natural gas with the price for oil or electricity?
- What is "Standard Offer Service"?
- What is Basic Local Service?
- What is In-state Toll Service?
- Calling State-to-State and Internationally
- What are Optional Services?
- What can I do to prevent unauthorized service charges?
- What can I do to prevent unwanted telemarketing calls?
- What is the “Winter Disconnect” period?
- What Low Income Assistance Programs are available?
- How do I shop for Telephone Services?
- Common questions about shopping for Local Telephone Service
- Is there Telephone Competition in Maine?
- How is Natural Gas Service for Residential Customers regulated?
- What is Competitive Natural Gas Service?
- How do I choose a Competitive Natural Gas Supplier?
- Is Transportation Service for Commercial and Industrial Customers?
- How do I choose an Electricity supplier?
- What is Electric Restructuring?
- What Are the Benefits of Competition in Electricity Supply?
- Issue Information: CMP Transmission Line Expansion
- ...get help if someone is threatening to hurt me? How can I obtain protection from Domestic Violence?
- ...learn more about the child protection case process?
- ...do find information on Domestic matters like Divorce, Separation and Parental rights?
- ...file a small claims matter in the Maine Court system?
- ...find a Lawyer?
- ...represent myself in a legal matter?
- ...file for bankruptcy?
- ...find resources for families in the Maine courts?
- ...get a court order against a neighbor or acquaintance who is harassing me?
- ...find information about a case?
- ...get a copy of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate?
- ...get a copy of a will?
- ...find resources for people with disabilities?
- ...find the sex offender registry?
- ...contact my probation officer?
- How can I see how much recovery money is coming to my community?
- What's the purpose of the new legislation?
- Where can I find the full text of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?
- What type of programs will this recovery package fund?
- I heard I'd be able to track recovery funds. Why can't I do that?
- Where can I get information about procurement for projects?
- What is the Temporary "Federal Additional Compensation" Program (FAC)?
- ...find Maine Laws?
- Where in New England is the greatest potential for storm surge?
- How do I apply for food stamps?
- How do I find a job within DHHS?
- How do I adopt a child through DHHS?
- How do I find child care for my child?
- How do I get my drinking water tested?
- How do I get a copy of a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate?
- How do I apply for child support?
- How do I find a DHHS office?
- How do I find a DHHS report?
- How do I find DHHS policies?
- How do I find a hotline or crisis phone number?
- How do I find DHHS publications?
- How do I find DHHS forms?
- How do I report child abuse?
- How do I report elder abuse?
- How do I report fraud/abuse? Options are:
- How do I find Alzheimer’s care and support?
- How do I get prescription drug assistance?
- How do I find information on HIV or STDs?
- How do I find immunization information?
- How do I find information about Lyme disease?
- How do I get Medicare prescription drug coverage?
- How do I find information about West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?
- How do I find current flu information?
- How do I find adult day services?
- How do I find rabies data for Maine?
- How do I find MaineCare information?
- How do I get a facility or business licensed?
- How Do I Find Phone Numbers for Offices and Services?
- Does a blizzard warning mean that there will be more snow than a winter storm warning?
- Does the wind chill temperature affect my car or car battery?
- What causes the highest storm surges along the Maine coast?
- What caused the most injuries and fatalities during and following the Ice Storm of 1998?
- What is required for U.S. and Canadian children to cross the border?
- Can members of a body communicate with one another by email outside of a public proceeding?
- Can I record a public proceeding?
- Do members of the public have a right to speak at public meetings under the Freedom of Access Act?
- Is the public body or agency required to keep running minutes or a record of a public proceeding?
- Is the agency or body required to make the record or minutes of a public proceeding available to the public?
- How Do I Find Housing
- Can I send text or picture messages to 9-1-1 ?
- How do I get newborn screening test results?
- How do I apply for a Vital Records Researcher card?
- How Do I apply for a Vital Records Researcher card
- What should I do if I suspect discrimination is occurring in a Recovery Act funded program?
- Review, Reconsider, Appeal of Commission Decision
- Using Live Audio to Hear Commission Proceedings
- Commission Decisions
- Settlement process
- Speaking at a Public Witness Hearing
- Public Witness Hearings
- How to Access the Virtual Case File
- Ten Person Complaint
- Filing Documents Electronically
- Filing Written Comments
- Staff Role in Commission Cases
- Commission Cases
- Participating in Commission proceedings
- Learn more about DHHS
- How do I find out about lead in my home?
- How do I know if my child has lead poisoning?
- How do I know which fish are healthy eating choices and which are not?
- How do I report a work-related disease or illness?
- How do I find Maine's data on environmental health topics?
- How do I report a case of infectious disease?
- How do I find information on infectious diseases in Maine?
- How do Maine's electricity costs compare with those of the region?
- Does Maine offer an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL)?
- What's the difference between the right and left sides of a hurricane?
- How do I become a foster parent (resource parent)?
- What hours are the polls open?
- Is there a deadline to request an absentee ballot?
- What is the leading cause of death in winter storms?
- Commission to launch new electronic case management and consumer complaint systems in May 2012
