The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Nov. 7, 2025
Maine voters soundly defeated Question 1 November 4th, which would have made the state’s voter ID rules the most restrictive in the country, and tightened rules for voting by mail. It was pitched as an “election integrity” measure, despite almost non-existent voter fraud in Maine.
Had it passed, Question 1 would have narrowed Maine’s voter ID options, eliminating student IDs, tribal IDs and other currently acceptable documents, despite no evidence of abuse. It would have also restricted how the state, which has the oldest median age in the country, voted by mail.
About half of Maine’s voters used a mail-in ballot in 2024, and over 16,000 subscribe to an ongoing absentee voter list. Question 1 would have eliminated the absentee list, and prohibited requesting an absentee application by phone. It would also have prohibited third parties from delivering absentee ballot applications, including family members, and limited drop box locations to one per town.
October polling showed 48% support, 49% opposing and 3% undecided. In the end, it wasn’t close, with only 36.3% voting yes, and 63.7% no.
Governor Janet Mills said in a statement, “Maine has long had one of the highest rates of voter turnout in the nation, in good part due to safe absentee voting — and Maine people tonight have said they want to keep it that way.”
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – (Sept) Restrictions for Mail-In Voting and Voter ID on the Ballot in Maine Nov. 4th Even Though Voter Fraud in Maine is Almost Nonexistent
Maine Secretary of State – Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election
Maine Morning Star – Question 1 Changes to Maine election laws
League of Women Voters ME – Voter Suppression Referendum
Maine Morning Star – Mainers reject voter ID proposal, maintaining state voting laws
WGME – High voter turnout attributed to hot local races and key referendum questions
Groups Taking Action:
No on 1, Save Maine Absentee Voting, League of Women Voters ME, AFL-CIO, Disability Rights ME
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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