News

Voter ID to be on Maine Ballot in November

Voter ID to be on Maine Ballot in November

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


(AP) — Maine voters will decide whether the state will become the latest to require voter identification at the polls.

A conservative group in the state has been gathering petitions to get an act on the ballot to require the presentation of photographic identification for the purpose of voting. The petitioners have “far exceeded” the required number of signatures needed to get the proposal on the ballot, the Maine Department of the Secretary of State said in a Wednesday statement.

Under Maine law, the proposal will now go to the Legislature for consideration, and lawmakers can either enact it or send it to residents for a statewide vote in November. Democrats control the state Legislature and have turned away voter ID proposals before, so the issue will almost certainly be left to voters.

The Dinner Table, a conservative political action committee, brought forward the proposal. The high number of signatures shows support for voter ID, said Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby, the co-founder of the group.

“The time is right because Maine people have spoken up and made it really clear they want voter ID to be the law of the land,” Libby said. “This citizens initiative is Maine people speaking up.”

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Entertainment

‘Mormon Wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul can’t have unsupervised visits with toddler son, court rules

Taylor Frankie Paul, a star of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," cannot spend unsupervised time with her 2-year-old son due to a history of volatile behavior directed at the boy's father while kids were present, a Utah court commissioner ruled Tuesday.

6 hours ago in Entertainment

Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says

The rapper Offset, a former member of the influential hip-hop trio Migos, was shot outside a Florida casino and was in stable condition, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

6 hours ago in National, Trending

Route 66, a quintessential American road trip heavy on kitsch and history, turns 100

Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary this year. Despite losing its status decades ago as one of the nation's main arteries, people from around the world still flock to it to take perhaps the quintessential American road trip and soak in its neon lights, kitschy motels and attractions, and culinary offerings.

1 day ago in Entertainment, Trending

UK government blocks rapper Ye from entering Britain to headline festival

The rapper formerly known as Kanye West has been barred from entering the U.K., where he was scheduled to perform at the Wireless Festival in July. It came after government officials condemned Ye's history of antisemitic remarks. The festival's organizers confirmed the ban and said the entire three-day festival was being canceled as a result.

1 day ago in Sports, Trending

Michigan muscles its way to program’s 2nd national title, beating stubborn UConn 69-63

The five fabulous transfers who make up Michigan coach Dusty May's starting lineup got down and dirty with the rest of the Wolverines — coming out with the national title trophy Monday night after muscling their way to a 69-63 victory over stingy, stubborn UConn.