Independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler is proposing major changes to Maine's electoral laws.
At a press conference at his Portland headquarters today, Cutler said when he's governor, he'll ask the Legislature to change the law so independents don't have to collect twice as many signatures as party candidates.
He said he'd also propose changing the voting process to either a ranked choice or single open primary followed by a runoff. And he said he'd work to clean up contributions.
"I will seek every avenue that can pass constitutional muster to dramatically reduce the influence of money in Maine politics through reasonable and fair contribution limits and total transparency in reporting the sources of funds," he said.
Cutler's statements come a day after Maine's Ethics Commission ruled that Cutler's supporters can donate up to $3,000 to his campaign. The commission's decision followed a federal ruling last week allowing the increase in contributions to Cutler's campaign. The change will also allow some contributors to the party candidates for governor to give more.
