Maine Officials Challenge Presidential Order

Maine leaders are actively opposing President Donald Trump’s recent executive order concerning changes to the national voting process. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a list of verified voters in each state.

Details of the Executive Order

Under the executive order, the U.S. Postal Service would be limited to sending mail-in ballots only to individuals appearing on this federally-created list. This move has sparked immediate pushback from state election officials.

Constitutional Concerns Raised

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has strongly criticized the order, deeming it “unconstitutional.” She stated, “This is unconstitutional. Remember, the founders 250 years ago, when they declared independence and drafted the Constitution, they put states in charge of the elections, because they wanted to avoid tyranny, and the President is not in charge of elections, the states are.”

Senator Collins Weighs In

Senator Susan Collins expressed a similar sentiment, stating, “I do not see the need for a national voters' list. I think we should leave that up to the states, but if we find that a state is not doing a good job, that may be a reason for a lawsuit.”

Context: Stalled Federal Legislation

The executive order arrives as “The SAVE America Act,” a proposed federal law requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship, remains stalled in Congress. This legislation would have implemented similar voter verification measures at the national level.

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