Mocktails, Moxie, and the Madam Secretary: A Very Maine Conversation

The Cocktails with Friends episodes usually begin with a clink and a pour—but for this special sit-down with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, they kept it clear-headed and caffeinated. (Though they did dream up a Moxie mocktail that tastes suspiciously like amaro if you squint and ignore the bubbles.)

Bellows joined at the bistro for a spirited, funny, and insightful chat that covered everything from Real IDs and personalized license plates to growing up without electricity in Hancock County and scaring yourself silly with Pet Sematary on VHS. 

And yes, she confirmed it: May 2025 is the month Mainers need to be Real ID ready—or be prepared to tote their passport to the airport. As someone who once led the charge against Real ID, Bellows explained the compromises that led to its current form.

TL;DR: Your data isn’t being uploaded to a federal database, and you have options. (Passport card for the win.)

Also starting in May? New license plates. The beloved chickadee design is retiring, thanks to 20+ years of wear and tear. In its place: a pine tree plate or a more straightforward blue-and-green option. Custom tags will cost a little extra.

We laughed. We learned. We didn’t swear on a license plate. (You’re welcome, kids.)

Want more conversations like this? Subscribe to Cocktails with Friends, call our hotline at 207-814-0177, and visit us at the bistro. 

Cheers!