During a session of the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee in early February 2025, GOP legislators introduced proposals to eliminate RCV. Critics of the system argue that it is confusing for voters and may suppress certain segments of the electorate [2].
This move aligns with a broader national trend where several states have reconsidered or rejected the adoption of RCV. In November 2024, voters in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon opposed ballot measures that would have implemented RCV. Additionally, Missouri approved a measure banning the system statewide, with an exception for St. Louis municipal elections [3].
Maine’s journey with RCV has been marked by both support and contention. After its initial approval in 2016, the system faced legal challenges and legislative delays. However, a 2018 referendum reaffirmed voter support for RCV, leading to its implementation in federal elections and primaries [4].
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how these legislative efforts will unfold and what impact they may have on Maine’s electoral process.
Sources:
[1] https://ballotpedia.org/Implementation_of_ranked-choice_voting_in_Maine
[2] https://mainemorningstar.com/2025/02/04/gop-lawmakers-target-noncitizen-voting-seek-to-eliminate-voter-backed-ranked-choice-voting/
[3] https://nypost.com/2024/11/25/opinion/americans-are-right-to-reject-ranked-choice-voting-new-york-city-should-too/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_2018_Maine_Question_1