I am concerned about the the citizen-approved initiative on ranked-choice voting. While RCV was narrowly defeated in my town of Lisbon, it did pass statewide. I’ve been told that there is a move afoot within the Maine Senate that would call into question the constitutionality of the approved voting system by asking for an advisory opinion from the Supreme Judicial Court. If this is so, I am sure I will only read about it after the fact and my senator, Majority Leader Garrett Mason, will have been instrumental in the action.
The Senate must be reminded that the voters approved the RCV and that constitutionality can be determined when challenged by aggrieved citizens, not the Legislature. This should not be a political debate on a matter that was settled by the people. It seems to be one of those “sour grapes” situations that are often attributed to Democrats.
At least four state supreme courts have decided that the “one person, one vote” question has been upheld by this system, so even if the Supreme Judicial Court should eventually hear the matter, the legislative branch should keep out.
The people’s decision is not one for the Legislature to call into question.
I hope my sources are incorrect and that this action against the will of the electorate is not just RCV opponents trying to have their own way.
Donald Fellows, Lisbon
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