Published • loading... • Updated
Maine Is Stuck in Ranked-Choice Voting Limbo. That’s Not Likely to Change Soon
The ruling leaves ranked-choice voting in primaries and federal races, while state general elections remain under plurality rules after lawmakers’ latest expansion bid failed.
- The Maine Supreme Court's recent advisory opinion confirms ranked-choice voting remains excluded from state general elections due to constitutional incompatibility. The ruling maintains the existing hybrid system for primary and federal races.
- Voters approved ranked-choice voting with 52 percent support in 2016, intending statewide application. However, the Constitution's plurality requirement has repeatedly blocked implementation in state general contests, creating the hybrid landscape.
- Some voters mistakenly believe the court struck down the practice entirely, prompting officials to clarify. "It is confusing for folks," said Kate McBrien, chief of staff for Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
- Legislative efforts to expand the system through a constitutional amendment failed after Republicans withheld support. Maine GOP executive director Jason Savage said state Republicans have "no interest in advancing ranked-choice voting in any way."
- The June 9 primary will proceed with ranked-choice voting for races with three or more contenders. The lack of continuity between election types continues to generate questions from the electorate.
Insights by Ground AI
11 Articles
11 Articles
Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Maine is stuck in ranked-choice voting limbo. That’s not likely to change soon
Mainers decided to begin using ranked-choice voting in elections for the state Legislature, governor and federal offices all the way back in November of 2016 — the first state in the nation to do so.
·United States
Read Full Article
Maine's ranked-choice voting debate
A ranked-choice ballot used for the 2nd Congressional District general election in Nov. 2022. Photo by Robert F. Bukaty of the Associated Press.Mainers decided to begin using ranked-choice voting in elections for the state Legislature, governor and federal offices all the way back in November of 2016 — the first state in the nation to do so. But nearly a decade and multiple court cases later, full implementation of that new system approved by 52…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 30%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
