The people of Maine overwhelmingly support Voter ID as a way to strengthen election credibility and safeguard every citizen’s voting rights. Nationally, polls show similar 80/20 backing for Voter ID. Yet, as with nearly every political effort, Democrats fiercely oppose any Voter ID measure, disregarding public opinion.
In 2024, the grassroots PAC The Dinner Table successfully gathered nearly twice the required signatures—over 170,000, or more than 10% of Maine’s population—to place a Voter ID question on the 2025 ballot. Despite this clear public support, Democrats continue to resist the initiative.
The Dinner Table, founded by Maine State Representative Laurel Libby (R-Auburn/Minot) and Alex Titcomb, advocates for conservative causes. (Full disclosure: The author is an active member and coordinator of the group.)
Once petitions are verified, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows must include the question on the ballot. However, critics argue she may word it misleadingly to discourage support. Bellows previously attempted to bar Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and has accused Republicans of undermining democracy—a charge opponents call “projection.”
The current draft of the ballot question reads:
“Do you want to change Maine election laws to require voters to show ID before voting, end ongoing absentee voting for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, eliminate two days of absentee voting, and make other changes to our elections?”
While the final wording will be released Monday, critics say this version distorts the petition’s intent. The goal was simply to implement photo ID requirements and secure absentee ballots—not to suppress legal voting or burden vulnerable groups.
Supporters argue the measure ensures only citizens vote while preventing fraud. Some also hope to revisit ranked-choice voting, which they view as confusing and unnecessary.
