ME LD1289

Reduces by half the vote margin thresholds that determine recount deposit requirements for legislative and county races (e.g., no deposit required at 0.75% margin instead of 1.5%; $500 deposit for margins between 0.75% and 2% instead of 1.5% to 4%)

Lowers statewide/multicounty recount thresholds from 1% or 1,000 votes to 0.5% or 500 votes for deposit-free recounts

Requires the Secretary of State to calculate actual recount costs, including state worker payroll, and charge the requesting candidate accordingly

Mandates refunds to candidates if their deposit exceeds actual recount costs, and requires additional payment if costs exceed the deposit

Maintains existing rules that deposits are returned if the recount reverses the election outcome, and forfeited if it does not change the result