When a Maine ballot initiative passes with a large majority and bipartisan support, it is noteworthy in today’s polarized political climate. Yet twice in recent years, Maine voters have overwhelmingly supported initiatives to reduce the influence of big money in our elections.
In November 2023, Maine voters approved a historic referendum to prohibit foreign money in state elections. The measure passed with 86 percent support – the largest margin of victory for any initiative in state history. The following year, 75 percent of voters backed another initiative placing limits on contributions to political action committees.
Due to a series of Supreme Court decisions beginning with Buckley v. Valeo in 1976, our elections have become dominated by large donors. Prior to Buckley, states and Congress set campaign finance rules – not the courts. Today, the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by wealthy interests that use vast sums of money to purchase political influence. If everyday Americans are to reclaim their role as meaningful participants in our democracy, this problem must be addressed.
The good news is that there is already a widely supported solution. Eighty-two percent of voters agree that money poses a threat to our elections, and 71 percent support a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to reasonably regulate campaign spending. Twenty-three states have already signaled their readiness to ratify such an amendment. Senator King and Representatives Golden and Pingree have co-sponsored resolutions calling for this change. I urge concerned citizens to learn more about this vital issue and let our members of Congress know they support an amendment to end excessive and unfair campaign spending.
Bonnie Sammons China
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To the editor:
