We Must Protect Elections in Maine

American elections are under attack like never before.

The United States experienced the highest voter turnout on record in 2020, thanks in large part to expansions in early- and mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, state lawmakers have introduced over 360 bills in 47 states designed to suppress voting, particularly among communities of color. These bills represent a very real threat to our democracy and our constitutional right to vote.

Maine has a history of forward-thinking approaches to voting. Voters may take advantage of no-excuse absentee ballots and several weeks of early voting, and there are no restrictive voter ID laws. We’re also the only state to use ranked-choice voting in federal and presidential elections.

Maine now has the chance to further its pioneering approach to elections with LD 1575, “An Act To Improve Maine’s Election Laws.” This bill, introduced by Representative Joyce McCreight, would codify the changes made to the state’s election laws in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes include allowing a student ID as a qualifying document to register to vote; extending the deadline to vote absentee; and requiring that municipal clerks notify voters of errors on absentee ballots and allow the chance to correct them.

Two additional bills making their way through the Legislature aim to protect our democracy by strengthening campaign finance laws:

• LD 1417, “An Act Regarding Campaign Finance Reform”: This bill, sponsored by Senator Louie Luchini and co-sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, would place a blanket ban on corporate contributions made directly to state legislators or to their political action committees.
  

• LD 1621, “An Act To Reform Payments to Legislators by Political Action Committees”: This bill, introduced by Senator Chloe Maxmin, would ban legislators from enriching themselves or their family members using funds from political action committees with which they’re involved. In the past, legislators have gotten away with using money from political action committees they control to make personal purchases like House Assistant Minority Leader Trey Stewart, who last year spent over $2,000 on tires and clothes using money from his Star City PAC.

These bills represent far more than just election reform. They are measures to ensure that the people of Maine can participate equally in our democracy and make our voices heard in Augusta, ideals that Mainers for Working Families has fought for since our founding.

Ban Corporate Contributions from Maine Politics

Every issue that matters to the hardworking families of Maine, from guaranteeing affordable healthcare to ensuring access to clean water and sustainable fisheries, is influenced by the role of money in politics. Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which ruled that campaign contributions from corporations constitute political speech, money has poured into our elections and everyday policymaking with few restrictions.

Maine is no exception. According to Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, corporations spent more than $90 million attempting to influence elections and policy between 2008 and May 2020. Central Maine Power alone has spent nearly $15 million in the past 15 months in favor of the controversial Clean Energy Corridor project.

But this may all be about to change.

LD 1417, “An Act Regarding Campaign Finance Reform,” was recently passed by the legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. Co-sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot-Ross, and Senator Louis Luchini of Ellsworth, the bill would place a blanket ban on corporate contributions made directly to state legislators or to their political action committees.

”For far too long, large corporations have been able to buy state governments, and regular people just don’t have the money to buy them back,” Senator Jackson said at a press conference announcing the bill. “Maine has routinely led the nation on ethical reforms, campaign finance reform, and I believe this is the natural next step in the evolution.”

Mainers for Working Families strongly supports LD 1417 and applauds Senator Jackson, Senator Luchini, and Representative Talbot-Ross for their efforts to restore control of our democracy to the people of Maine. Getting corporate money out of politics is critical to our fight to ensure that our policies work for all Mainers, not just those at the top.

Senate President Troy Jackson leads charge for “Buy American, Build Maine” legislation

Senate President Troy Jackson and a coalition of small Maine business owners yesterday announced LD 1411, "An Act To Establish the Maine Buy American and Build Maine Act." The bill would give preference to Maine-based businesses, workers, and American manufacturing when the state awards procurement contracts, supporting Maine workers, Maine-based businesses, and quality, good-paying Maine jobs whenever taxpayer dollars are spent.

“Buy American, Build Maine is about lifting up the workers, businesses and quality, manufactured products in our own backyard,” said President Jackson. “Throughout this pandemic, Maine workers, businesses and manufacturers have stepped up to serve and support our communities. We owe it to them to have their backs.”

Several states have already adopted legislation that either gives preference to companies based in that state for public contracts or gives preference to American manufactured goods. According to the National Association of State Procurement Officials, at least 38 states already provide some sort of preference to in-state businesses. With this legislation, Maine would be giving Maine and workers the same leg up that many other states are giving their businesses and workers.

“Buy American, Build Maine” legislation is supported by Kathie Leonard, Auburn Manufacturing, Inc.; Ben Waxman, American Roots; Chris Lausier, C. Lausier Family, Inc.; Dan Kleban, Maine Beer Company; Devin McNeill, Flowfold; Brian Lombardozzi, Alliance for American Manufacturing; Tim Kuebler, Dragon Cement; Maine AFL-CIO; Machinists’ Union Local S-89; and Ironworkers Local 7.

“For most Maine business owners, our state isn’t just a place to do business, it’s where we’ve chosen to live, work and put down roots. Our customers are our friends and neighbors. We care about our environment and the future of our state because it’s what’s happening in our own backyard,” said Dan Kleban of Maine Beer Company. "By passing Buy American, Build Maine legislation, Maine lawmakers can support Maine workers and businesses.”

Mainers For Working Families is proud to support “Buy American, Build Maine” legislation and applauds Senator Jackson for introducing this critical measure. Maine workers and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and we should be seeking out the wealth of experience in our own communities to support ourselves before looking farther afield.

LD 1411 will undergo additional work sessions in committee before moving to the floor of the House and Senate for votes.