BATH — Maine Attorney General Janet Mills says charges have been brought against a town clerk accused of knowingly violating the law regarding absentee ballots.

Bowdoinham Town Clerk Pamela Ross is accused of unfolding the ballots when she removed them from envelopes, allowing her to see how individuals voted. Prosecutors say her actions violated the sanctity of the secret ballot.

The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.