Me. Rev. Stat. » Title 21-A
Maine Revised Statutes

Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 21-A, § 3 (2026)

Signatures and names

✓ current as of May 2026
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When this Title requires a name or signature on a document, immaterial irregularities do not invalidate the name or signature if the identity of the person named is clear to the public official charged with reviewing that document.   [PL 2009, c. 538, §2 (AMD).]
1.  Immaterial irregularities.  Immaterial irregularities include, but are not limited to, misspelling, inclusion or omission of initials and substitution of initials or nicknames for given names.  
[PL 1997, c. 436, §8 (AMD).]
2.  Application.  This policy applies to circumstances including, but not limited to, the following:  
A. Absentee ballot applications;   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
B. Absentee ballot affidavits;   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
C. Signatures on petitions; and   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
D. Names appearing for write-in candidates on ballots.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
[PL 2009, c. 538, §2 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 436, §8 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 538, §2 (AMD).
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Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 2004–2013 · leading case: Ralph Nader v. Maine Democratic Party, 2013 ME 51 (Me. 2013).
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Ralph Nader v. Maine Democratic Party, 2013 ME 51 (Me. 2013). · cites it 3× “See 21-A M.R.S.A. §§ 3, 352, 354(1)(B), 356(1) (1993 & Supp.”
Melanson v. Dep't of the Sec'y of State (Me. Super. Ct 2004). “that the name ‘John Noble Snowdeal’ does not represent a fictitious person, but instead is an incorrect statement of a real elector’s first name,” thereby invoking without citation the “immaterial irregularities provision of 21-A M.R.S.A. § 3(1).”?. The hearing officer then…”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 21-A, § 3(1): 1 case
Melanson v. Dep't of the Sec'y of State (Me. Super. Ct 2004). “that the name ‘John Noble Snowdeal’ does not represent a fictitious person, but instead is an incorrect statement of a real elector’s first name,” thereby invoking without citation the “immaterial irregularities provision of 21-A M.R.S.A. § 3(1).”?. The hearing officer then…”
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