PORTLAND, Maine — With less than 24 hours to go until Election Day, Mainers are gearing up to cast their votes. While there may not be any major political races on the ballot, there are some important ballot questions expected to draw voters to the polls.
One of the most contentious questions Mainers will decide on is Question 2, which addresses whether foreign governments and entities under their control should be prohibited from financially influencing Maine’s elections.
Republican Senator Rick Bennett, a prominent supporter of Question 2, told NEWS CENTER Maine, “The bulk of what we are trying to do in Question 2 is close this loophole that allows foreign governments to spend unlimited amounts of money in our elections here in Maine.”
According to Bennett, over 80,000 Mainers signed petitions requesting this change, highlighting the significance of this issue.
He argues that a “yes” vote on Question 2 provides the opportunity to protect Maine’s electoral integrity.
Maine Citizens for Clean Elections contends that voting in favor of Question 2 will help keep elections centered on the interests of Maine voters.
“In tomorrow’s election, I am voting yes on Question 2 to make our democracy stronger, and that’s about Maine voters,” Anna Kellar, the executive director of Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, explained.
If the “yes” votes prevail, foreign governments will be prohibited from spending money to influence ballot measures or candidate elections in Maine. This ban would also extend to any company or entity with five percent or more control or ownership by a foreign government.
Opponents of Question 2, such as the Maine Association of Broadcasters (MAB), argue the measure infringes on the First Amendment.
Tim Moore, the CEO of MAB, explains that radio and TV stations would be required to become investigative agencies, delving into the funding sources of advertisers. Moore suggests that this could affect even local entities, such as a Canadian company or a business near the Canadian border with interests across the border.
The proponents of a “no” vote argue that foreign government spending on referendum campaigns should remain permissible, emphasizing the importance of maintaining free speech rights.
It’s worth noting that even if Question 2 passes, the issue may still find its way into the courts, as some argue that it raises First Amendment concerns. Legal challenges may be on the horizon, irrespective of the election’s outcome.
As Mainers prepare to head to the polls, it’s essential to be informed about the ballot questions. Election Day is set for Tuesday, and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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