9358-R3_LGP_MechanicFalls_2024AnnualReport

Town Clerk and Registrar of Voters

Dear Residents of Mechanic Falls, I am truly honored to serve as your Town Clerk and Registrar of Voters since March 12th, 2025. Stepping into this role has been both humbling and rewarding, and I sincerely appreciate the kindness, patience, and support shown to me during this transition.

Over the past year, several new laws have been enacted and changes to services have been implemented. For Motor Vehicle Registrations , these updates include the introduction of the new Pine Tree plates and new regulations for Disabled Veterans. Beginning in May 2025, the State

started phasing out the Chickadee plates and replacing them with the Pine Tree design. This change was driven primarily by safety and readability concerns, as many Chickadee plates— originally issued in 1999—had become faded, peeling, or no longer reflective, making them difficult for law enforcement and cameras to read. (Please note that vehicles classified as passenger cars may choose between the Pine Tree plate and the “No Tree” option.) Effective May 30, 2025, Disabled Veterans may be exempt from excise tax on up to three (3) vehicles (previously unlimited) and free registrations on up to three (3) vehicles (previously one). To qualify, the disabled veteran must be the titled owner of the vehicle and show current VA benefits letter. Eligible vehicles include passenger cars (including antiques), commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and motorhomes. Please note that specialty or vanity plate fees, camper trailers, and leased vehicles are not included in these exemptions. Inland Fishery and Wildlife (IF&W) has discontinued printing the law and rule books for activities such as boating, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling. To improve accessibility, they have launched a mobile app called ME Outdoors , which provides access to these materials both online and offline. The app also features water access sites, trail information, detailed maps, and more. Users can conveniently purchase and store licenses, permits, and recreational vehicle registrations within the app.

Vital Records has also seen an important update regarding marriage laws. As of May 6, 2025, the legal age for marriage has been raised to 18. Couples wishing to be married must appear together in person to file their marriage intentions, and at least one party must reside in Mechanic Falls. There is no waiting period in the State of Maine, and the marriage

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