Supporters of ranked-choice voting in Maine — joined by eight Democratic candidates — filed a lawsuit Friday to ensure that the voting method is in place in time for the June primaries. The lawsuit comes more than two weeks before the deadline for Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, a Democrat, to certify signatures designed to place on the June 12 ballot a referendum question that could decide the long-term fate of ranked-choice voting. The Committee for Ranked Choice Voting announced Friday afternoon that it has filed a suit in Kennebec County Superior Court. One candidate for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, six gubernatorial candidates and a Maine Senate candidate signed onto the lawsuit.
Dick Woodbury, chairman of the committee, said ranked-choice voting “is the law and it must be implemented now to ensure the validity of the upcoming primaries.”
The 11-page complaint alleges that Dunlap’s inaction has left candidates “guessing which method of election will decide their respective races.” It seeks an injunction to force the secretary of state’s office to implement ranked-choice voting on June 12.
Full Article: Maine ranked-choice voting backers file suit to ensure system is used in June — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine.