Spring is here, which means it's time for crocuses, not to mention potholes, and the mud season. It also means the 130th Legislature will wrap up soon on April 20, and then it'll be time to prepare for June's elections. Is the time flying or what?
Passing of an Old Friend — Alvin “Al” Smith (1945 - 2021): We are sad to learn of the passing of our longtime friend and Clean Election stalwart, Al Smith. He was there in the earliest days when our groundbreaking public funding system was just an idea, and for years he represented Common Cause in the coalition that became Maine Citizens for Clean Elections. Al lived his progressive values fully and will be remembered for his kindness, idealism and commitment, good humor, and gentle spirit. RIP, Al.
No Really — You Should File Your Taxes: When you are filling out your Maine tax forms, you can check a box to designate $3 to the Maine Clean Election Fund. This helps to finance the election campaigns of qualifying Clean Election candidates. The Clean Election check-off is on Line 1 of the Maine Income Tax form. It will NOT increase your tax bill, and it will NOT decrease your refund. Learn more here.
Election Season: This year's election cycle is almost upon us, which means candidates will be running via public funding — or not. If you know who's running in your district, and there could be a variety of races for several seats, urge them to run a clean campaign. If you have a preferred candidate, consider making a $5 contribution so that they can qualify for the Maine Clean Elections Act. Taking action like this helps to boost the Clean Elections program. Learn more here.
The Maine Legislature had House and Senate floor sessions last week, where they advanced several of our priority bills. There'll be a couple more floor sessions this coming week. Statutory Adjournment (or conclusion) of the current session will be April 20, so buckle up now as we race towards the end of the 130th Legislature. Here are your updates:
Municipal Ranked Choice Voting (LD 859): This bill would allow towns to adopt RCV for municipal elections. It got a favorable vote in the House! The Senate is working on a minor amendment. They may vote on it this week. - Election Transparency and Audits (LD 1155): Gov. Mills' change package to the supplemental budget includes the funding for this bill! It passed last year with strong bipartisan support, and now it's on its way to becoming law.
- Equity in Policy Making (LD 1610): This bill is a critical step toward improving demographic analysis and data sharing in Maine government so that we can create equitable and evidence-based policy. It builds upon LD 2, which passed last year. It got a favorable vote in the House, and now it heads to the Senate, but it does have a fiscal note attached, and funding will be key to final passage.
Money in politics — Municipal Campaign Finance (LD 1658): This bill requires candidates or PACs in towns with populations over 50,000 to submit campaign finance reports to the Ethics Commission instead of the municipal clerk. It got a disastrous $1 million fiscal note. It passed to be enacted in the House this week, but it will likely await final passage in the Senate on the appropriations table.- An Act To Protect Election Integrity (LD 1779): This bill will protect ballots after an election by ensuring they remain in the custody of our trusted election officials. It's an important backstop against actions that undermine election security by disrupting the chain of custody, as we have seen in Arizona and Colorado. It passed to be enacted in the House last week. It awaits final passage in the Senate, where it had bipartisan support in first-round voting.
- An Act to Protect Election Officials (LD 1821): Originally, this bill would have made it a Class C crime (a felony) to intentionally interfere with a public official performing an official function relating to a federal, state, or municipal election. As amended under this bill, these crimes remain Class D crimes (misdemeanors), but they can be referred for prosecution to the Attorney General’s office. The amended bill also institutes Secretary of State tracking for these incidents and de-escalation training for municipal election officials. The amended bill got a unanimous “ought to pass” report from the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
Democracy Maine Organizes Local Action Workshops to Empower Mainers
When it comes to running for office, creating sustainable change, or overcoming challenges within our communities, large barriers can hinder progress. Democracy Maine has designed a three-part series to address these roadblocks and give everyday Mainers the tools they need to empower themselves and their towns. These educational workshops will take place over the course of three weeks, designed to fit the schedules of working Mainers. The workshops are free and open to the public. Materials and recordings will be available after the sessions at no cost.
Schedule:
Local Action #1:
Running For Office
Thursday, April 21
6:00-7:00 PM
Register here
Local Action #2:
Creating Local Change
Thursday, April 28
6:00-7:00 PM
Register here
Local Action #3:
Overcoming Challenges
Thursday, May 5
6:00-7:00 PM
Register here