What's on Maine's 2023 ballot? Question 2, explained
Question 2 aims to close a loophole in state law that currently allows companies and organizations owned by foreign governments to spend money to influence voters on state referendums. In doing so, it taps two populist sentiments about U.S. elections: first, that money plays an outsize role in determining outcomes, and second, that entities controlled by foreign governments should not be allowed to influence voters.
If voters approve Question 2 in November, Maine will join an emerging trend of states and localities seeking to curb foreign electioneering in campaigns while also seeking to overhaul a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that has unleashed a wave of unfettered corporate spending on elections.
Question 2 asks Maine voters: “Do you want to ban foreign governments and entities that they own, control, or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions?”
Digital news reporter Esta Pratt-Kielley asks chief political correspondent Steve Mistler to explain what Question 2 means for Maine voters.
Stay tuned for more videos explaining all of the referendum questions on the ballot. 🗓️ Election Day is Nov. 7!
Comment below if you have more unanswered questions! And find out more about each question at mainepublic.org/pulse.
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