Code of Maine Rules
13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL
Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS
Section 188-26-30 - Sea Urchin Zone Council Elections

1. Elections and Term

The Sea Urchin Zone Council shall hold its first election for those members specified in 12 M.R.S. §6749-X, sub-§ 1 by March 2008, and a biennial election thereafter beginning in December 2010, to re-elect or replace the elected members whose terms are expiring. Council members shall have terms of two years.

2. Election of Council Members

Election of council members shall be by a plurality vote of eligible voters participating in the election.

3. Eligibility of Council Members

To be eligible for election as a council member an individual must hold a valid license of a type specified in 12 M.R.S. §6749-X, sub-§ 1 and be at least 18 years of age. An individual who has been convicted of a marine resources law violation within the previous 6 years is not eligible for election as a council member unless a waiver from this requirement has been granted by the commissioner for good cause as determined by the commissioner in his or her discretion.

4. Eligibility to vote

An individual who holds a valid license of a type specified in 12 M.R.S. §6749-X, sub-§ 1 and is at least 18 years of age shall be eligible to vote to fill vacant council positions representing the same type of license held by the voter. If the license type is specific to Zone 1 or Zone 2, as defined under 12 M.R.S. §6749-N, then the individual shall only be eligible to participate in the election if the individual holds the eligible license in the same zone.

5. Election process

Each individual shall have one vote in the election for each seat for which they are eligible to vote. The vote shall be by secret mailed ballot and the ballots shall be collected by the Department of Marine Resources. The ballots shall be tallied, and the results shall be made known to the Commissioner, members of the Sea Urchin Zone Council and the public.

6. Vacancies

Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Sea Urchin Zone Council including one created by reason of resignation, ineligibility, or death shall be filled by the candidate from the most recent election who received the second greatest number of votes. If no such candidate is available or is willing to serve as representative, then a special election will be held. Council members elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the vacated member's term.

7. Removal of Council Members

A council member whose urchin license is suspended or revoked, or who fails to renew the license, shall automatically be removed from the Sea Urchin Zone Council. A Council member who misses three consecutive meetings without notifying an officer or other Council member of the intended absence from a meeting may be removed from the Council by affirmative vote of the Council.