In November 2024, Maine voters will face two referendum questions and three bond issues totaling $65 million in new borrowing on their general election ballot. The order of these questions was determined by a public lottery conducted by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn. Here’s a breakdown of each question, including the text as it will appear on the ballot.
Question 1: An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures
“Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?”
This measure is supported by campaign finance reform activists led by Lawrence Lessig, a legal scholar and former Democratic presidential candidate. Lessig and his group believe this limit will reduce the influence of large money in politics and enhance the integrity of elections.
However, it is very likely that this measure will put Maine law in conflict with federal legal precedent, opening the door for legal challenges that virtually guarantee the new law will never be enforced if approved by Maine voters. Proponents of the measure admit this themselves; they hope Maine voters will pass the law so lawsuits against it can be appealed up the Supreme Court in an effort to get the high court to overturn existing precedent related to contributions and spending by political action committees.
Question 2: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization
“Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?”
If approved, this bond will provide funds to the Maine Technology Institute to support research, development, and commercialization in key technological sectors. It stems from LD 416 passed earlier this year and is designed to foster innovation and economic growth.
Question 3: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Restore Historic Community Buildings
“Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?”
Originating from LD 912 that initially requested $25 million, this question now seeks $10 million to restore historic buildings. If approved, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission will administer the funds, which will require a 25% local match.
Question 4: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote the Design, Development and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation
“Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?”
This question proposes $30 million in new borrowing to create and maintain a comprehensive trail system across Maine. The funds would support the Maine Trails Program, with allocations for nonmotorized, motorized, and multi-use trails.
Question 5: An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag
“Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?”
This question asks voters if they want to revert to the Pine Tree Flag, which features a buff background, a pine tree in the center, and a blue star in the upper corner. The Department of the Secretary of State received more than 400 submissions in a design contest in July. While the submissions have not yet been made public, the office has stated that it will take time to compile, process, and review them. A decision on the final design is expected to be announced in August and presented for public viewing before the election. The former state flag has already become a popular symbol in Maine, as it has appeared on various merchandise and flagpoles.
Afua Kwarteng is a graduate student at the University of Maine pursuing a dual MBA and Global Policy degree. She graduated from the University of Ghana with a BA in Political Science and Swahili. She is passionate about state and international policy and is serving as Maine Policy Institute’s 2024 communications intern.