The Maine constitution, based on that of Massachusetts but incorporating a number of more democratic features, was adopted in 1819 and amended 169 times by January 2003. The state constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the legislature and a majority vote at the next general election.
The bicameral legislature, consisting of a 35-member senate and a 151-member house of representatives, convenes biennially (in even-numbered years) in joint session to elect the secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, and auditor. Legislative sessions begin in December of the general election year and run into June of the following (odd-numbered year); the second session begins in January of the next even-numbered year, runs into April, and is limited to consideration of budgetary matters, legislation in the governor's call, emergency legislation, and legislation referred to committees for study. The presiding officers of each house may jointly call for a special session as long as they have the support of a majority of members of each political party in each house. All legislators, who serve two-year terms, must have been US citizens for at least five years, residents of the state for at least two years, and have lived in their district at least three months prior to election. The minimum age for representatives is 21, for senators it is 25. The legislative salary in 2002 was $10,815 for the first year and $7,725 for the second.
The governor, who serves a four-year term and is limited to two consecutive terms, is the only official elected statewide. (Rules of succession dictate that should the governor become incapacitated, he or she would be succeeded by the president of the state senate.) A gubernatorial veto may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting in each legislative chamber. An unsigned bill that is not vetoed becomes law after 10 days when the legislature is in session. The governor must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the US for at least 15 years, and a state resident for five years. In 2002 the governor's salary was $70,000, unchanged from 1999.
To vote in Maine, one must be a US citizen and at least 18 years old; there is no minimum residency requirement. Those under guardianship because of mental illness may not vote.