We’re already seeing improvements in the states that have them, but the tide won’t fully change until a critical mass of politicians are freed from partisan primaries at the state and national level.
primary elections
Posted inElection 2022, Local & State, News, Politics
Challenger unseats Cumberland County DA with backing of big-spending national group
Jacqueline Sartoris rode into office with the support of an out-of-state PAC that poured $380,000 into ads supporting her and opposing her opponent, Jonathan Sahrbeck.
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Posted inAmerican Journal
Westbrook voters give $43.9M school budget thumbs up
The school budget saw a large margin of approval at the primaries Tuesday.
Posted inAmerican Journal, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Voters to decide on Democratic candidate for House 126 seat
Jean-Marie Caterina of Scarborough and Drew Gattine of Westbrook face off June 14 for a spot on the November ballot.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Cumberland DA candidate Jackie Sartoris: It’s time for us to lead in criminal justice reform
My work as a prosecutor with a problem-solving treatment approach is rooted in both compassion and accountability.
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Primary elections should be open to all Mainers
When I volunteer to register voters, I have an answer for just about any problem that arises as citizens fill out those little green cards. Don’t have a driver’s license? Use this instead. Nervous about sharing your phone number? No problem, that’s optional. It’s an easy, straightforward process – until we get to “party affiliation.” […]
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: Healthy democracies can’t discriminate against independent candidates, voters
Make primaries nonpartisan; standardize ballot and financing rules, and include all general election candidates in public debates.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Open primaries bill clears both Maine House and Senate
The House voted 92-52 to support allowing unenrolled voters to vote in a party’s primary without having to register in that party.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Bill to allow ‘semi-open primaries’ in Maine takes step forward
If it’s approved by the full Legislature, independent voters will be allowed to vote in a political party’s primary during each election cycle without having to enroll in that party.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Keep Maine in the forefront of state election practices
Two bills before lawmakers in Augusta – one for online voter registration, and the other for open primaries – will promote voting.