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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

ME: Civic Engagement & Voting

A poll of 15,000 people conducted by Stack Data Strategy in November showed the candidate winning the most popular votes nationwide next year would likely lose the presidency, repeating what happened in 2000 and 2016. (Adobe Stock)
Majority of Mainers support leaving Electoral College for national popular vote

Ahead of Super Tuesday, a new poll finds a majority of Mainers support replacing the Electoral College system with a national popular vote. More …

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More than 60% of candidates for Maine's legislative offices participated in the state's Clean Election program in 2022, up from 30% of candidates in 2000, when it began. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />
Maine considers expanding 'clean elections' law to county candidates

Maine could become the first state in the nation to provide public funding to candidates seeking the office of district attorney. Lawmakers are …

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NextGen's new website aims to help young Mainers access the Inflation Reduction Act for up to $7,500 in tax credits towards the purchase of a new clean car, and up to $4,000 for a used clean car. <br />(Adobe Stock)
Website helps Maine’s young voters track climate change resources

A new website aims to help young voters in Maine take advantage of the historic climate progress being made through the Inflation Reduction Act…

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Several studies find shifts in partisan support in places where health has stagnated or declined. For example, the frequency of alcohol-related deaths and suicide has been linked to increasing regional support for conservative candidates and movements while gains in health-care insurance coverage are associated with vote shifts toward the Democratic Party. (Adobe Stock)
Doctors say voting brings Mainers a clean bill of health

Voting is not only good for democracy - it's also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

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According to a poll by the Climate and Community Project, 55% of Mainers believe utilities should be nonprofits, and 60% said they've experienced a power outage in the past few months. (Adobe Stock)<br />
Maine voters consider costs, climate in public utility amendment

An amendment on Tuesday's ballot in Maine to transfer ownership of the state's two private utilities to the public is considered a dead heat…

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Maine has few foundational gun safety laws, including background checks for all gun sales, an Extreme Risk law, or waiting periods, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. (Adobe Stock)
Maine lawmakers, gun safety groups call for assault weapons ban

Advocates in Maine for stronger gun safety laws are calling for a complete ban on assault weapons following last week's mass shooting in Lewiston…

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The House Committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol concluded former President Donald Trump did not honor his constitutional obligation to
Statewide efforts grow to keep Trump off 2024 ballot

While Maine election officials determine if former President Donald Trump will appear on next year's presidential ballot, legal challenges nationwide …

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Voters can also track the status of their absentee ballot to ensure it's been received and counted by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. Bellows notes the use of absentee ballots also helps shorten voting lines on Election Day and reduce the workload for election workers. (Adobe Stock)
No-excuse absentee voting helps build voter turnout in ME

With less than a month to go before Maine's November 7 Referendum Election, more than 30,000 voters have already requested a no-excuse absentee …

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In 2012, candidates took 7%, on average, of all their out-of-state money from ideologically-driven donors. But in the 2022 election cycle, ideological donors typically made up 13% of the out-of-state donor pool, according to Open Secrets. (Adobe Stock)
Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

Political candidates running for federal office have grown increasingly reliant on out-of-state donations, according to a new report. Government …

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Maine had one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country for the 2022 midterm elections with 73% of registered voters taking part. (Adobe Stock)
State Officials Warn of Threats Ahead of 2024 Election

Election officials nationwide are urging Congress to provide the funding needed to ensure a safe and secure 20-24 election. They've asked for at …

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Corporate donations were the largest source of spending in Maine's 2020 election cycle, including some from foreign-owned companies. (Adobe Stock)
Maine 'Clean Elections' Campaign Shifts to November Ballot

Advocates for "clean" elections in Maine are gearing up for a November ballot referendum that would ban foreign government spending in state elections…

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Critics of the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission say it gave greater political influence to wealthy donors and corporations by allowing them to spend unlimited funds on elections. (Adobe Stock)
Lawmakers Consider Changes to Maine’s Clean Election Law

Lawmakers in Maine are considering legislation to allow candidates seeking county level offices to receive taxpayer funds under the Maine Clean Electi…

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