AUGUSTA, ME – Today’s certification of 66,687 signatures by Maine’s Secretary of State guarantees that on June 12, 2018, Maine voters will be the first in the nation to rank their choices in primary elections for U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor, State Senator and State Representative. This marks the first time in our state’s history that voters have initiated a People’s Veto in response to the Legislature’s attempt to overturn a Citizen’s Initiative.
“There’s just no stopping the Maine people,” said Kyle Bailey, campaign manager for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting. “During the coldest months of the year, the Maine people collected at least 66,687 valid signatures in 88 days to restore Ranked Choice Voting and insist on more voice and more choice in our democracy.”
“The people of Maine want a system that works for us, and for our children and our grandchildren,” said Cara Brown McCormick from Cape Elizabeth, who collected more than 900 signatures for the People’s Veto. “Together, we stood up to the politicians who wanted to take away our right to choose the way we elect our leaders. I’m excited to rank my choices in June and to vote YES for the People’s Veto to keep Ranked Choice Voting moving forward.”
Dick Woodbury, Chair of the Committee, added, “Braving subzero temperatures and Arctic winds, Maine people stood on street corners and outside town dumps, municipal centers, and libraries to insist on more voice for Maine people. I could not be more proud or thankful.”
“This is a really important voting reform. It will enable us to elect the candidates who truly represent a majority of the people,” said Victoria Adams, a volunteer from Kennebunk. “I’m looking forward to ranking my choices starting this June and voting YES for the People’s Veto.”
“There are a lot of people running for Governor this year. That’s one reason why we need Ranked Choice Voting,” said Kathleen Glenn-Lewin, a volunteer from Brunswick. “This June, I will rank my choices based on policies and principles, and not on polling. That’s also why I will be voting YES on the People’s Veto, so we can keep electing our leaders with this better system.”
Contact: Kyle Bailey | (207) 939-8600
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PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE FOR RANKED CHOICE VOTING. PO BOX 928, GORHAM, ME 04038.