Advocates say they plan to ask the Maine Law Court to revisit its 2017 advisory opinion, which would not be possible if Gov. Janet Mills vetoed the bill as they expected.
ranked-choice voting
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmaker and secretary of state clash over constitutional amendment on voting by noncitizens
Rep. Laurel Libby told fellow lawmakers that her proposal would boost the integrity of Maine’s elections, though opponents, including the Maine secretary of state, say it’s unnecessary and could foster anti-immigrant sentiment.
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Posted inTimes Record Opinion
The Maine Idea: Ranked-choice voting failing, but Clean Elections endures
Some political reforms deliver less than promised. Such is the case with ranked choice voting. Although it had been used previously in local elections, Maine became the first state to adopt ranked choice on a 2016 referendum ballot packed with progressive questions. After six years of Gov. Paul LePage, activists were eager to legislate but […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Gordon L. Weil: Maine reveals voting reform faults
Jared Golden has a good point. The Democrat represents Maine’s Second District, which has always backed Trump, and has previously won elections thanks to Ranked-Choice Voting. But he found this year that it may not make sense. RCV and the proposed National Popular Vote that would displace the Electoral College, are reforms that can reduce […]
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine elections chief who drew Trump’s ire narrates House tabulations in livestream
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is acting like a play-by-play sports announcer as she describes the state’s process of determining the 2nd Congressional District election winner through ranked choice voting.
Posted inLetters
Letter: Some clarity on ranked choice voting
Please note: ranked choice voting is not required on our election ballot. When choosing our favorite candidate, it is perfectly legal and acceptable to ignore candidate 2, 3, 4 and 5. Do not feel obligated to vote any other way. Jack Gagnon Lakeville Editor’s note (Nov. 4, 2024): This letter has been amended to prevent […]
Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Maine voters gear up for March 5 presidential primaries, though many are unhappy with the choices
Although the outcomes of the Democratic and Republican primaries seem clear-cut, some voters look forward to casting ballots for their preferred candidates while others dread a rematch of the 2020 presidential race.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Nearly 800 Maine voters left No Labels party after signature-drive confusion
The group, which drew criticism from some voters who said they were misled into changing party affiliations, still has well over the 5,000 signatures needed to qualify for the 2024 ballot.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine takes another step toward ranked-choice voting in governor races
The next step is a vote by the full Legislature, with two-thirds majority approval needed to pass; then it would need approval from a majority of state voters.
Posted inMaine Voices, Opinion
Maine Voices: A big bipartisan opportunity to strengthen Maine’s democracy
The absence of ranked-choice voting in state elections and the system of unelected constitutional officers deprive Mainers of their right to full and fair government.