Maine Voters Overwhelmingly Protect the Right to Vote
A victory at the polls! Maine voters made their voices heard on Tuesday, decisively rejecting Question 1 and preserving the state’s secure and accessible voting system. Question 1 would have imposed sweeping restrictions on absentee voting, creating unnecessary barriers for seniors, people with disabilities, and those who can’t get to the polls in person.
The ACLU of Maine was proud to be part of a broad, nonpartisan coalition campaign — Save Maine Absentee Voting — to defend every Mainer’s right to cast their ballot freely and fairly. This win reaffirms Maine’s commitment to voting access and election integrity.
You can read more about the referendum and how it would have upended absentee voting here.
Defending Due Process in the Face of ICE Abuses of Power
Towns and cities in Maine can defend due process from federal overreach.
For decades, communities across the country have pushed back against federal abuses of power in immigration enforcement by refusing to be complicit in violating people's constitutional rights. Since Trump's first term, at least nine states have passed laws limiting the role of local officials and police in federal immigration enforcement.
Maine also has a proud history of protecting people's rights. In the past, state and local elected officials have passed laws and ordinances that limit our local officials from carrying out federal immigration enforcement.
And next week, the Rockland City Council will vote on its own ordinance to prohibit city employees from participating in federal immigration enforcement. Policies like this send a clear message: Maine communities value fairness, due process, and equal protection under the law.
Last Chance: Scolnik Award Reception Tickets
Tickets are going fast for next week’s Justice Louis Scolnik Award Reception!
On Wednesday, November 12, the ACLU of Maine will proudly honor Professor Anna Welch, founding director of the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at Maine Law, for her extraordinary contributions to justice and human rights.
Join us in Portland for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and celebration. Tickets are available until Monday, November 10 at 11:59 p.m. Hope to see you there!
