Donald Trump…Ron DeSantis…Joe Biden… oh wait! Do not forget that Election Day 2023, which features no presidential candidates, is just around the corner.
On November 7th, Mainers will head to the polls to cast a ballot for their local Mayor and council and will be presented with a set of important referendum questions that will shape the future of the state in different ways. These questions cover a range of topics, from government borrowing and campaign finance to public utilities and constitutional amendments.
There are four citizen initiatives that have earned ballot access in this November’s election. Citizens initiated measures require the verified signatures of over 70,000 Maine voters submitted to the Secretary of State. The citizens initiative process has been the subject of scrutiny over the past ten years. Critics have cited the low barrier to ballot access and the influence of out of state organizations influencing the referendum process.
There are also four constitutional measures that are pending approval by the voters. Constitutional amendments originate in the Legislature and require a two-thirds vote in each body. Then, the measures are sent out to the people where a majority vote is required for an amendment to pass.
Below you will find the questions in their entirety together with a short explainer. As we approach election day we hope this provides valuable insight into the landscape of politics and policy in Maine.
Question 1: Citizen Initiative
An Act to Require Voter Approval of Certain Borrowing by Government-controlled Entities and Utilities and to Provide Voters More Information Regarding That Borrowing
Do you want to bar some quasi-governmental entities and all consumer-owned electric utilities from taking on more than $1 billion in debt unless they get statewide voter approval?
This question revolves around the fiscal responsibility of government-controlled entities and utilities in Maine. If passed, it would require these entities to seek statewide voter approval before incurring debts exceeding $1 billion. Advocates argue that this measure enhances transparency and ensures that taxpayers have a say in significant financial decisions. Critics, however, may express concerns about potential delays in essential projects.
Question 2: Citizen Initiative
An Act to Prohibit Campaign Spending by Foreign Governments and Promote an Anticorruption Amendment to the United States Constitution
Do you want to ban foreign governments and entities that they own, control, or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions?
This referendum question addresses campaign finance reform and foreign influence in Maine’s elections. If approved, it would prohibit foreign governments and their affiliated entities from contributing to political campaigns or financing communications related to candidates or ballot questions. Supporters argue that this measure safeguards the integrity of Maine’s elections, while opponents may raise issues related to free speech and enforcement.
Question 3: Citizen Initiative
An Act to Create the Pine Tree Power Company, a Nonprofit, Customer-owned Utility
Do you want to create a new power company governed by an elected board to acquire and operate existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities in Maine?
If passed, it would establish the Pine Tree Power Company, a government owned utility tasked with acquiring and operating existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities. Proponents see this as a way to provide more affordable and sustainable energy options for Mainers, while opponents fear the unbearable cost for the state and the inefficiency of government run programs.
Question 4: Citizen Initiative
An Act Regarding Automotive Right to Repair
Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities?
This referendum addresses consumers’ right to repair their vehicles. If approved, it would mandate vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and grant owners and independent repair facilities remote access to diagnostic data. Advocates argue that this promotes consumer choice and competition in vehicle repair, while opponents may express concerns about data security and proprietary information. Right to Repair was passed overwhelmingly in Massachusetts in 2020 and the California legislature passed the law just last week.
Question 5: Constitutional Amendment
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to change the time period for judicial review of the validity of written petitions from within 100 days from the date of filing to within 100 business days from the date of filing of a written petition in the office of the Secretary of State, with an exception for petitions filed within 30 calendar days before or after a general election?
This question would amend the Constitution to adjust the timing for judicial review of the validity of written petitions.
Question 6: Constitutional Amendment
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require All Provisions in the Constitution to Be Included in the Official Printing
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to require that all of the provisions of the Constitution be included in the official printed copies of the Constitution prepared by the Secretary of State?
This constitutional amendment would require all provisions of the Constitution to be included in official printed copies. The question revolves around a centuries long controversy between Maine’s native American tribes and the State Government. Indian treaties in the Maine State Constitution have historically been omitted from publication – since 1857. This constitutional amendment seeks to include those sections in official printings.
Question 7: Constitutional Amendment
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to remove a provision requiring a circulator of a citizen’s initiative or people’s veto petition to be a resident of Maine and a registered voter in Maine, requirements that have been ruled unconstitutional in federal court?
If passed, this constitutional amendment would align the requirements for circulators of citizen’s initiative or people’s veto petitions with federal law and require circulators to be a resident and a registered voter in Maine. This policy has been the subject of legislative conversation since 2010 due to the number of out of state organizations that pursued policy change through the ballot.
Question 8: Constitutional Amendment
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to remove a provision prohibiting a person under guardianship for reasons of mental illness from voting for Governor, Senators and Representatives, which the United States District Court for the District of Maine found violates the United States Constitution and federal law?
If successful, this constitutional amendment would allow persons under guardianship for mental illness to be electors – meaning to allow them to vote.
The 2023 November ballot in Maine presents an array of critical referendum questions that touch on diverse aspects of life in the state. As Maine residents prepare to cast their votes, it is essential to delve into each question’s nuances, consider their potential implications, and make informed decisions. Participating in the democratic process by voting on these questions will help shape the future of Maine and the well-being of its residents.
As for 2024, it is coming quickly. Here are the important dates to remember as we enter the Presidential Election:
March 5, 2024 – Presidential Primary or Caucus
The qualified parties will certify by October 1, 2023, whether they will have a presidential primary or a caucus. Traditionally, Maine has been a caucus state. That changed in March 2020 after the first presidential primary was conducted.
June 11, 2024 – State Primary Election
Primary Elections determine each qualified party’s nomination of candidates for federal offices and State and County offices. Party candidates who are elected at the Primary qualify to appear on the November General Election ballot. In these elections, Maine uses Ranked Choice Voting for contested primaries.
November 5, 2024 – General Election
The General Election is held nationally on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November. In Maine, Ranked choice voting is used for federal elections and first past the post in state elections.
As always, Elections have impact. Policy passed at the ballot will be top conversations in Augusta next year, and Dirigo is ready to help your organization navigate the waters. We are just a phone call away!