AUGUSTA — Despite having no evidence that anybody is voting improperly, lawmakers are weighing legal changes that would make it harder for college students and others to cast ballots in Maine. During more than six hours of testimony before the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs on Wednesday, critics blasted the proposals as efforts to keep […]
elections
Posted inLetters
Two-party system has failed
I have completed my absentee ballot except for the selection for president. I want to make an informed decision based on factual information, but where would I get it? Newspapers, 24-hour news channels, zealot Republicans or Democrats who will believe/say anything as long as it is against the other party, TV analysts, syndicated/guest columnists? The […]
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Posted inLetters
Practice selflessness
For many years, I watched as politicians got rich by merely being elected to office. Years ago, after I learned more about politics, lawyers in office were paid modestly, like civil servants with nominal wages and benefits. Today, it is almost automatic that they become rich at the public’s expense. Elected officials vote themselves premium […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Mexico voters approve $4.44 million municipal budget
MEXICO — Voters Tuesday overwhemingly approved a $4.44 million municipal budget for fiscal year 2016-17, a $27,000 decrease from last year. Town Clerk Penny Duguay said voters approved all 19 articles. Town Manager John Madigan said salaries are up 1.5 percent and insurances up 9 percent for an overall 3.76 percent increase in salaries and benefits. The […]
Posted inFranklin, Lewiston-Auburn
Rangeley voters to consider secret ballot
RANGELEY — Townspeople are being asked to consider changing the method of voting on the town warrant from an open town meeting to voting at the polls in a secret ballot referendum. If approved at the annual town meeting at 6 p.m. on June 16 at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, the referendum process would not […]
Posted inMaine
Correction: Unenrolled voters can enroll on primary day
A story that appeared on Page A3 on Wednesday should have said unenrolled voters in Maine can enroll in a qualified party at any time, including Election Day or during a primary election. Those enrolled in a qualified party must wait 15 days after switching parties to be eligible to participate in a primary or […]
Posted inLetters
Restructure the government
I agree with Peter Blake (letter, May 7) and Catherine Ferrell (May 14) about people’s concerns with the popular vote. Actually, it is not that popular — it doesn’t really count. The nation’s forefathers created a government “by the people, for the people.” I pay taxes, so my vote should count. Elected representatives should work […]
Posted inLetters
Changes needed in election process
When will people push to change from a system that was created during colonial times (Electoral College) to a more reasonable one where everyone has a vote that is counted equal to someone else’s in this country? The person with the most votes should win an election. Just ask anyone on the street if they […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Supreme Court upholds population-based electoral districts
WASHINGTON — A unanimous Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can count everyone, not just eligible voters, in deciding how to draw electoral districts. The justices turned back a challenge from Texas voters that could have dramatically altered political district boundaries and disproportionately affected the nation’s growing Latino population. The court ruled that Texas’ challenged […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bill restricting video of voters goes to Gov. Paul LePage
AUGUSTA — A bill that aims to make it harder to use video cameras to intimidate voters is on its way to the desk of Gov. Paul LePage. The Maine Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously to enact the bill, which the House approved last week. The bill would establish a 15-foot minimum distance between video […]