Data Request for Local Ballot Initiatives/Referenda (Maine Bureau Of Corporations, Elections, And Commissions)

Jimin Han filed this request with the Maine Bureau Of Corporations, Elections, And Commissions of Maine.
Multi Request Data Request for Local Ballot Initiatives/Referenda
Submitted March 5, 2024
Status
Rejected

From: Jimin Han

Subject: Maine Freedom of Access Act Request: Data Request for Local Ballot Initiatives/Referenda (Maine Bureau Of Corporations, Elections, And Commissions)

Fax

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act, I hereby request the following records:

I am requesting data on local ballot initiatives/referenda that took place in the state since 1972. Specifically, I need the following information to be included in the data.

1. Text of the ballot initiative/referendum
2. Local government where the election took place.
3. County where the local government is located
4. Election date
5. Result of election (votes for, votes against, pass/fail)
6. Threshold to pass (50%, two-thirds, etc)

This website from California provides a good example of the type of data I am requesting:
https://data.ca.gov/dataset/election-data/resource/67e83a65-2b55-41ec-9420-b33b666d4711

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by 1 M.R.S.A. § 408(6). The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, and is not made for commercial usage.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jimin Han

From: Maine Bureau Of Corporations, Elections, And Commissions

Subject: Maine FOAA Request

Email

Good morning,
I am writing on behalf of the Maine Secretary of State regarding the FOAA request that you submitted for
"local ballot initiatives/referenda...since 1972". (See attached request)

The Maine Department of the Secretary of State only handles statewide ballot questions. We.
The Maine Department of the Secretary of State does not hold records that are responsive to your request. This department does not hold information on local referenda. We only handle statewide ballot questions.

As a result, we will not be able to provide these documents, and must deny your request.

Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) Coordinator
Maine Secretary of State
148 State House Station, Augusta, Me 04333
FOAA.SOS@maine.gov

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