AUGUSTA — A proposal that could make it harder for groups to get a ballot question before voters has failed in the Maine House of Representatives.

The 92-54 vote on Monday fell several votes short of the two-thirds support necessary to pass such a measure.

It sought to amend the constitution to require that a certain percentage of signatures have to be gathered from voters in each of Maine’s two congressional districts to force a referendum.

Supporters said the current system allows groups to target the heavily populated and more liberal 1st District without having to seek the support of residents in the vast, rural 2nd District. But opponents said Maine shouldn’t make it more difficult for residents to get questions on the ballot.