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Maine GOP Launches People's Veto Campaign To Overturn Law Expanding Ranked-Choice Voting

Robert F. Bukaty
/
Associated Press/file
Ballots are prepared to be tabulated for Maine's 2nd Congressional District's House election Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, in Augusta, Maine.

Maine's Republican Party is launching a people's veto campaign to overturn the law that expands the use of ranked-choice voting to presidential elections.Party Executive Director Jason Savage says he's confident about getting the question on the ballot this November.

"We have as many people as could possibly vote - it's a presidential election," Savage says. "A very simple ballot question that just asks people if they want to repeal it. And there will be no confusion. There will also be organized opposition to ranked-choice voting."

Savage says the effort reflects the belief that traditional voting methods have a proven track record of putting good leaders in office:  "Margaret Chase Smith. Ed Muskie. Bill Cohen. James Blaine," he says. "There's been a lot of success in Maine and we don't see any reason to monkey around with that."

Political consultant David Farmer, who campaigned in support of the ranked-choice voting law, says the state Republican Party will have an uphill battle.

"It requires a massive amount of volunteer effort, or - and - a lot of money," Farmer says. "And we'll see if they're able to marshal those resources."

Savage says the party started pursuing the challenge last year and filed paperwork Monday with Maine's Secretary of State's office.  

The campaign will have until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns to deliver more than 63,000 valid signatures to the Secretary of State’s office. Meeting that deadline would suspend the law and place the question on November's ballot.

 

It would be the third time in four years that ranked-choice voting has been the focus of a state referendum effort.

Originally published Feb. 4, 2020 at 1:24 p.m. ET.