In the Matter of Request for Opinion of the Justices

(Related to Legislative Document 1666, Senate Paper 660, An Act to Include in the Ranked-choice Election Method for General and Special Elections the Offices of Governor, State Senator and State Representative and to Make Other Related Changes)

On February 10, 2026, the Maine State Legislature referred a question to the ustices of the Supreme Judicial Court, pursuant to Article VI, Section 3 of the Maine Constitution, related to Legislative Document 1666, Senate Paper 660, An Act to Include in the Ranked-choice Election Method for General and Special Elections the Offices of Governor, State Senator and State Representative and to Make Other Related Changes.

The Maine Judicial Branch has set up this web page to post information on the request for the opinion of the justices. This assures full access to information related to the proceeding. It is our goal to accommodate the media and the public to the best of our abilities.

All public documents will be provided here and will not be provided by the clerk's office. Please check this web page often for updates and documents related to the case.

Case Name:
In the Matter of Request for Opinion of the Justices

Supreme Judicial Court Docket Number: 
OJ-26-1

The justices invite briefs from any interested persons or entities. See the procedural order dated February 11, 2026, for details.

The justices will hold oral argument on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 12 of the Cumberland County Courthouse in Portland. The argument will be streamed live on the Court's livestream page.

Filings and Orders:

  • February 11, 2026: Procedural order
  • February 10, 2026:
    • Letter From Darek M. Grant, Secretary of the Senate, to Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill
    • Question propounded (Sentate Paper 900)
    • L.D. 1666, S.P. 660, An Act to Include in the Ranked-choice Election Method for General and Special Elections the Offices of Governor, State Senator and State Representative and to Make Other Related Changes
    • Committee Amendment B to L.D. 1666

 

Media Contacts

Members of the media who require assistance may contact Barbara Cardone, Esq., Director of Legal Affairs and Public Relations, at (207) 213-2997 or barbara.cardone@courts.maine.gov.