AUGUSTA — Questions about abuses in Maine elections have led to an examination of how elections are conducted in the state, and the first step in that review is about to take place.

The Commission to Study the Conduct of Elections in Maine will hold a hearing starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the University of Maine in Augusta.

The commission was formed as a result of legislation that passed earlier this year. It came in the wake of allegations that ineligible voters had cast ballots in past elections.

That led to an investigation by Secretary of State Charlie Summers, and the creation of the study panel. The commission will look at voter participation, the system governing voter registration and the conduct of elections. It may also recommend legislation.