They need to collect 55,087 signatures by mid-September to put the veto question before voters. Any registered Maine voter can collect signatures. The three groups don't need to coordinate; all the signatures essentially go into one pot, to be verified by the Secretary of State.

They have until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns to collect the signatures. The adjournment date is currently June 17, but lawmakers may adjourn earlier or later, depending on when they finish work.

And, Flynn said, her office needs 60 days before the Nov. 4 election to certify signatures and get the question on the ballot. If signatures are turned in after Sept. 4 (but before the legal requirement of mid-September) the veto question would appear on the ballot in the next statewide election -- June 8, 2010 -- instead of the Nov. 4 election.