AUGUSTA, Maine - Mainers will likely be asked to vote on a sweeping overhaul of the state's election laws, after more than 85,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State on Wednesday.
The group Maine Citizens for Clean Elections wants a new mechanism for candidates that use public financing to get some additional funds to partially offset independent expenditures in campaigns.
The group is also seeking greater disclosure of spending. Andrew Bossie is executive Director of the group.
"Dark money, outside expenditures, from outside groups are here, that thanks to the Supreme Court," says Executive Director Andrew Bossie. "What we can do about that is make sure there is disclosure."
If the secretary of state verifies at least 61,123 signatures - the minimum number required - the full Legislature will consider the proposal. If the Legislature rejects the proposal without any changes, it will go to the voters next November.
