Shenna Bellows said last month the initiative could not appear on the November ballot because the petition fell short of the number of required signatures by about 500. A Superior Court judge on Thursday agreed, but the petitioners plan to appeal.
citizens referendum
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Maine transgender sports referendum back in court after invalidation
The group behind the question is asking that it be restored to the November ballot, while the secretary of state wants the court to affirm her conclusion that the petition fell more than 500 signatures short.
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Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Nearly 40% of signature gatherers for Maine trans athlete ballot question were from out of state
Outside petition circulators, money and lawyers have poured into Maine, making the state’s referendum process a battleground in the national debate over transgender rights.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Debate over trans athlete question puts Maine referendum process in the spotlight
Here’s how the state’s century-old citizen initiative process works.
Posted inElections, Maine, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Judge gives Maine 30 days to review validity of trans referendum signatures
Earlier this week, the Office of the Maine Attorney General conceded that up to 3,014 signatures backing a referendum on trans participation in school sports might be invalid.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Supporters object to trans sports referendum ballot language
The secretary of state released draft language this week for how the initiative, which seeks to limit school sports participation and use of bathrooms and similar spaces to a student’s assigned sex at birth, would appear on the November ballot.
Posted inElections, Maine, News, Politics
Cannabis opponents accused of misrepresenting Maine referendum
‘You have a right to lie under the First Amendment,’ Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said, noting there’s little she can do about the alleged trickery.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Group launches ballot initiative aimed at ending recreational marijuana sales in Maine
If the referendum question makes it onto the state ballot, voters will decide the fate of the $240 million-a-year market at the polls in 2026.
Posted inElections, Maine, News, Politics
Maine could be asked to vote on health care for all in 2026
A proposal by Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, for a citizens’ initiative would direct Maine lawmakers to establish a system to provide publicly funded health care for all residents.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Maine students vote in first mock referendum election
At Morse High School in Bath, one of the 78 schools that participated in Tuesday’s mock election, students said they felt informed about the red flag referendum, less so about the voter ID proposal.