Updated 11:33 p.m.: AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine Senate has approved asking the state’s highest court to rule on the ranked choice style of voting that voters approved in November.

Voters would rank their preferred candidates, allowing for an “instant runoff” of top vote-getters in a multi-candidate contest.

The request asks the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to rule whether the ranked choice system satisfies requirements of the state constitution.

Republican Senate President Michael Thibodeau said the issue isn’t about whether or not you like ranked choice voting.

While several supporters of ranked choice voting said they support the request, Democrat Sen. Shenna Bellows said legislators should follow the people’s will. The measure passed 24-10.

The request doesn’t delay implementation of ranked choice voting. The court could issue an advisory opinion or decide not to weigh in.

Ranked-choice voting supporters slam attempt at court review

AUGUSTA (AP) — Proponents of the ranked choice style of voting in Maine say an attempted legal challenge of their state’s adoption of the voting method should be thrown out.

Maine voters approved of ranked choice voting in a referendum in November. The voting method lets voters rank their preferred candidates in an election, allowing for an “instant runoff” of top vote-getters in a multi-candidate contest.

Maine Public reports a request by Republican Senate President Michael Thibodeau about ranked choice voting appears on Thursday’s legislative calendar. It asks the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to rule whether the ranked choice system satisfies requirements of the state constitution.

Kyle Bailey of the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting calls the move a “last ditch effort” to delay implementation of a system approved by voters.

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