Senate Democratic Leadership responds to outrageous RCV Senate Order

AUGUSTA — On Monday, the Maine Senate passed an unprecedented Senate Order which permits the Senate President to pursue broad legal action regarding administration of ranked-choice voting. The vote was 21-13. In response, Senate Democratic Leadership released the following statements:

Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash

“This type of behavior is bad governance and sets a dangerous precedent for the future. It gives legislative leadership free-rein to employ this tactic in the face of any disagreement or policy debate, preventing any type of compromise going forward.

Lawmakers had the opportunity to make this right last year and implement the will of the voters but obstructionist legislative Republicans stood in the way once again. And it’s becoming a disturbing pattern the Legislature, ignoring the will of the people and the referendum results.

It is disheartening really, and it is rooted in the desire of Republicans to erode faith in elections and the citizens’ initiative process. They want folks to feel like their vote doesn’t matter and that’s not right.”

Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Nate Libby of Lewiston:

“I vehemently oppose any efforts to undermine the will of the people. This Senate Order from one half of one chamber sets a horrible precedent for the future. We have serious concerns that the Senate has no standing to file a suit against Maine’s Secretary of State in the first place. We are also concerned that costly litigation will drag out implementation, sowing chaos during the primary election.

Most importantly, I don’t support the use of taxpayer dollars to litigate against the will of the taxpayers.”

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