Overview
- Maine's Total Coverage hosted a live Question 1 debate featuring Rep. Laurel Libby and Alex Titcomb for the yes campaign and David Farmer and Ann Luther for the opposition, moderated by Jon Chrisos.
- Question 1 would require photo identification to vote and tighten absentee voting by eliminating two early-voting days, banning phone or family ballot requests, ending ongoing absentee status for seniors and people with disabilities, limiting drop boxes, and mandating bipartisan retrieval teams.
- Supporters say the changes will boost election security and trust, citing incidents such as 250 absentee ballots found in an Amazon package in Newburgh earlier in October.
- Opponents point to studies showing very low proven voter fraud and warn of added burdens on clerks and reduced access for voters who rely on absentee options.
- Question 2 would establish a court-based red flag process alongside Maine’s existing yellow flag law, a debate shaped by Gov. Janet Mills’ emphasis on the yellow flag’s frequent use and a state commission’s findings after the 2023 Lewiston shooting.