PORTLAND, MAINE — Yesterday, Maine voters approved Question 1 to protect Ranked Choice Voting by an even larger margin than it was initially approved in November 2016. Maine people have fought for three and a half years to have their voices heard. The Committee for Ranked Choice Voting celebrates a long overdue victory for the will of the Maine people, who once again stood strong for Ranked Choice Voting.
Cara McCormick, Campaign Treasurer said, “This has been an epic battle and this latest victory is because of the persistence of the Maine people who believe we can help fix a broken political system. For three years, we have fought for this reform. Together we stood up to the political powers that be and said – enough.”
As reported, high turnout in yesterday’s election is a direct result of Maine voters having the power to rank their choices in the nation’s first Ranked Choice Voting statewide primary election, and also to vote on the People’s Veto to protect the law that voters approved in 2016.
“This is a huge win for the Maine people,” said Kyle Bailey, Campaign Manager. “Maine voters have twice collected signatures and voted for Ranked Choice Voting at the ballot box because they know that our political system isn’t working like it should and we have the power to fix it.”
With the passage of Question 1, Ranked Choice Voting will continue to be used in Maine’s primary elections for Governor, State Senator, State Representative, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Representative, and in the general elections for U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative.
Timeline
November 8, 2016: A majority of Maine voters approved Ranked Choice Voting at the ballot box in the second largest referendum vote by the people in our state’s history, and it became enacted law.
October 23, 2017: A majority in the Maine Legislature disregarded the will of the people and repealed the people’s Ranked Choice Voting law in a special late-night session.
February 2, 2018: Maine people collected more than 80,000 signatures in 88 days to place a People’s Veto on the June 12, 2018, ballot to protect the people’s Ranked Choice Voting law.
June 12, 2018: Maine voters will have the opportunity to stand up to the politicians in Augusta and insist on more voice by voting YES ON 1, the People’s Veto to protect Ranked Choice Voting.