Mia Lasic-Ellis

On November 4, voters in Maine will face two important ballot questions on voting access and gun regulations. We, the Bowdoin College Democrats, encourage all eligible voters to consider the implications of these referendums, which carry great importance for the state. To that end, we have made the following endorsements.

Question 1 will ask citizens if they want to make numerous changes to voting in Maine. These principally include expanding voter ID requirements at the polls. However, the initiative would also add significant restrictions to how towns can conduct elections. Question 1 seeks to end ongoing absentee voting, which allows older Mainers and those with disabilities to continually receive absentee ballots each election without applying for them, therefore limiting how many ballot drop boxes towns can offer and eliminating people’s ability to request ballots on behalf of family members. Conservative proponents of Question 1 argue that these changes would make Maine’s elections more secure, a need that does not stand up to scrutiny given the proven nonexistence of notable statewide voter fraud. If Question 1 were to become law, many citizens would face several new obstacles to voting. Regardless of stated intentions, this initiative would, in practice, suppress voting. Any citizen with an interest in protecting general access to the democratic process in Maine ought to vote “No” on Question 1.

Question 2 will determine whether Maine adopts a red flag law that enables household or family members to petition a judge to restrict an individual’s access to firearms temporarily if there is a concern they pose a significant risk to themselves or others. The initiative was precipitated by the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, in which a man with a history of mental illness and violent outbursts murdered 18 people and injured 13 others. Maine’s current unique yellow flag laws have proven to be inadequate. A red flag law may have prevented the Lewiston shooting and could stop other devastating instances in the future. Any voter with an interest in implementing crucial protections and advancing Maine’s gun control efforts ought to vote “Yes” on Question 2.

These measures will play a significant role in shaping the future of Maine’s electoral processes and firearm legislation. To exercise your democratic right and play a role in protecting our state’s institutions and people, make sure you are registered and have a plan for how you are voting ahead of this Tuesday. If you are not yet registered to vote, or would like to switch your registration to vote in this election, you can simply show up to the Brunswick Recreation Center, where you will be prompted to register day of. At times like these in our democracy, it is crucial that we take all opportunities to exercise our right to vote and advocate for the changes we hope to see in our state institutions. To that end, we hope you take these considerations into account on November 4. See you at the polls!

Brittany Yue ’27 is a member of the Bowdoin Democrats.