elections

There is growing concern in Maine and nationwide about the use of AI to manipulate videos or audio to harm political candidates or influence voters.

After multiple failed attempts to get a Voter ID bill through the Democratic-controlled Legislature, activists gathered more than 170,000 signatures to force a statewide vote on whether voters should be required to present photo identification at polling places.

With all but one recount now concluded, it's clear that Democrats will retain a very slim majority in the Maine House and a slightly larger majority in the Senate.

Democrats are poised to retain control of both the Maine House and the Senate next session, but the recounts will dictate how narrow the margin will be between the parties.

The campaign for Republican Austin Theriault immediately requested a hand recount, meaning the winner likely won't be officially declared until December.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden's narrow lead shrunk as late returns came in from across the district. Maine's secretary of state said Thursday night that neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote, triggering a ranked-choice runoff.

The race is being watched closely as Republicans and Democrats jostle for control of the House.

While the presidential race is consuming much of the political oxygen nationally, Maine has a closely watched congressional contest that could help decide which party controls the U.S. House. Voters will also choose a state flag design and bond measures.

In addition to the presidential and congressional races, Maine voters will decide on five ballot questions and fill all 186 seats in the state Legislature.

The Lewiston mass shooting changed Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden's perspective on assault-style guns. And that has changed the political dynamics in the close race for the swing-district seat.