My volunteering with the Say No to the New England Clean Energy Connect campaign opened my eyes to an injustice that occurs in Maine elections. Perhaps I was naive, but I had no idea that foreign money could be used to influence the outcomes of important Maine legislation. Once I verified this to be true, I helped collect signatures for the Protect Maine Elections citizen initiative. Most everyone I talked to listened, agreed with me, and signed the petition.

While foreign governments are not permitted to contribute to candidate campaigns, the Federal Elections Commission recently ruled that it has no jurisdiction over state referendums, creating a dangerous loophole that allows corporations controlled by foreign governments to spend in Maine elections unless explicitly prohibited by state law.

A March 2023 poll by Pan Atlantic Research indicated 91% of Republicans, 83% of Democrats, and 82% of independents would support a law prohibiting foreign governments and foreign government-influenced entities from spending money to influence Maine elections. The majority of members of the House and the Senate understood the need for this and voted accordingly. However, the bill was vetoed recently by Gov. Mills. The initiative now goes to the November ballot for a statewide vote.

Maine voters have the opportunity to show that we want our state to be for us and about us: We reject influence from outside entities. This November, vote yes on Question 2 to ban foreign governments from spending money in Maine elections.

 

Linda Woods

Waterville

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