Lawsuits target Maine referendum aimed at curbing foreign influence in local elections

Two utilities and two media organizations are suing over a referendum in Maine that closed a loophole in federal election law that allows foreign entities to spend on local and state ballot measures. The Maine Association of Broadcasters and Maine Press Association contend the new law imposes a censorship mandate on news outlets, which are required to police campaign ads to ensure there's no foreign government influence. Meanwhile, Central Maine Power and Versant, the state's largest electric utilities, each filed separate lawsuits raising constitutional challenges that contend the referendum violates their free speech and engagement on issues that affect them.

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