Questions 6 and 8 on the November 7 ballot will increase equity in Maine by restoring the state Constitution and clarifying access to voting, respectively.
Question 6 would amend the Maine Constitution to require that all of the provisions be included in the official printed copies prepared by the Secretary of State.
Language regarding treaty obligations with Maine's Indigenous tribes was removed from printed copies of the Constitution of Maine in 1876. Question 6 will ask that the original language be restored to printed copies to ensure access and transparency regarding Maine's responsibilities to the tribes. The League of Women Voters of Maine supports restoring the state Constitution to uphold treaty obligations.
Question 8 would amend the Maine Constitution to align with prior court decisions that individuals under a guardianship for reasons of mental illness have the right to vote in elections for governor, senators and representatives. Voting is a constitutional right, and the League of Women Voters of Maine supports this measure as a way to underscore the right of these Mainers.
Question 6 on the ballot will read as: Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to require that all of the provisions of the Constitution be included in the official printed copies of the Constitution prepared by the Secretary of State?
Question 8 on the ballot will read as: Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to remove a provision prohibiting a person under guardianship for reasons of mental illness from voting for Governor, Senators and Representatives, which the United States District Court for the District of Maine found violates the United States Constitution and federal law?