AUGUSTA — Whatever the state Supreme Court advises about whether ranked choice voting violates Maine’s Constitution, the new voting method would apparently still apply to primaries and congressional elections. “The majority of the elections should be governed by this in 2018,” said Kate Knox of Bernstein Shur, representing the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting that […]
elections
Posted inLocal & State
Legislature eyes bill that would allow recall elected officials
Spurred in part by public frustration at having no way to oust Gov. Paul LePage after a series of embarrassing comments, lawmakers are taking a look at a measure that would allow the recall of elected officials in Maine. Its sponsor, Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, said this week he wants “to give power back into […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
Full investigation warranted
The United States cannot afford to have the core of its democratic principles violated, and it is important that allegations of foreign interference in our elections be freely and independently investigated without partisan interference. As citizens, we must express our concerns to all of our senators and representatives that they uphold their oaths of office […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Lawmakers weigh measures that might make it harder for some to vote
AUGUSTA — Despite having no evidence that anybody is voting improperly, lawmakers are weighing legal changes that would make it harder for college students and others to cast ballots in Maine. During more than six hours of testimony before the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs on Wednesday, critics blasted the proposals as efforts to keep […]
Posted inLetters
Two-party system has failed
I have completed my absentee ballot except for the selection for president. I want to make an informed decision based on factual information, but where would I get it? Newspapers, 24-hour news channels, zealot Republicans or Democrats who will believe/say anything as long as it is against the other party, TV analysts, syndicated/guest columnists? The […]
Posted inLetters
Practice selflessness
For many years, I watched as politicians got rich by merely being elected to office. Years ago, after I learned more about politics, lawyers in office were paid modestly, like civil servants with nominal wages and benefits. Today, it is almost automatic that they become rich at the public’s expense. Elected officials vote themselves premium […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Mexico voters approve $4.44 million municipal budget
MEXICO — Voters Tuesday overwhemingly approved a $4.44 million municipal budget for fiscal year 2016-17, a $27,000 decrease from last year. Town Clerk Penny Duguay said voters approved all 19 articles. Town Manager John Madigan said salaries are up 1.5 percent and insurances up 9 percent for an overall 3.76 percent increase in salaries and benefits. The […]
Posted inFranklin, Lewiston-Auburn
Rangeley voters to consider secret ballot
RANGELEY — Townspeople are being asked to consider changing the method of voting on the town warrant from an open town meeting to voting at the polls in a secret ballot referendum. If approved at the annual town meeting at 6 p.m. on June 16 at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, the referendum process would not […]
Posted inLocal & State
Correction: Unenrolled voters can enroll on primary day
A story that appeared on Page A3 on Wednesday should have said unenrolled voters in Maine can enroll in a qualified party at any time, including Election Day or during a primary election. Those enrolled in a qualified party must wait 15 days after switching parties to be eligible to participate in a primary or […]
Posted inLetters
Restructure the government
I agree with Peter Blake (letter, May 7) and Catherine Ferrell (May 14) about people’s concerns with the popular vote. Actually, it is not that popular — it doesn’t really count. The nation’s forefathers created a government “by the people, for the people.” I pay taxes, so my vote should count. Elected representatives should work […]