Letter to the editor: Open Maine’s primary elections to unenrolled voters
Given the high percentage of uncompetitive legislative races and the fact that taxpayers foot the bill for primaries, something has to change.
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Maine has a tradition of civic duty and strong voter participation. However, there is one area where I believe we are falling short: Under current law, the 32 percent of Maine voters who are unenrolled in a party – often referred to as “independents” – are unable to participate in primary elections.
Portland election clerk Judy Smith checks in Caralee Oster at the Italian Heritage Center to vote in the July 14, 2020, Democratic primary. Rep. Grayson Lookner is sponsoring a bill this session that would allow unenrolled voters to cast one ballot in the primary of their choice.