PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s highest court says an election overhaul approved by voters in November runs afoul of the state constitution.
The court declared Tuesday that the ranked-choice voting goal of ensuring a majority for the winning candidate is in conflict with the constitutional mandate that only a plurality of the vote is needed to win elective office.
The non-binding decision opens the door to either legislative action or a lawsuit to undo the law.
Lawmakers asked the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to issue the advisory opinion. The court is allowed to do so when a “solemn occasion” arises.
Ranked-choice voting aims to let Maine residents rank their ballot choices from first to last. Supporters say it ensures a candidate wins majority support while eliminating the impact of spoilers.
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