Maine is one of only six states in which the only statewide executive officer chosen by the voters is Governor (or, a joint ticket of Governor and Lieutenant Governor). The other states are Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee.

Many bills are pending in the Maine legislature to amend the State Constitution and provide that the voters should choose Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Treasurer. Most of them have Republican sponsors, but LD 452 is introduced by Democratic State Senator Joe Baldacci. The other bills are HD 147, 149, 150, 455, and 508.

Because the bills amend the Constitution, they need two-thirds in each house of the legislature. Some of the bills provide for four-year terms, and others for two-year terms.

Currently the Maine legislature chooses the three executive officers.