Election Day is right around the corner, which means University of Maine students and other Maine voters alike have the chance to weigh in on five referendum questions that could reshape Maine’s future. This guide serves as an introduction to each ballot question, supplemented by a variety of student opinions on each topic. 

“The referendum questions are an interesting way that citizens can impact policy decisions or spending within Maine. Only 26 states have this, so it’s not the case that every state allows their citizens to directly weigh in on policy in this way,” says UMaine Political Science Professor Rob Glover.

The questions on the November ballot are not only directly decided by Maine constituents, but some of them were even brought forth by citizens who are trying to make a difference in their community.

Question 1: Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?

In January 2024, a citizen–led initiative with 75,000 signatures was filed to limit the amount of money political action committees (PACs) can contribute to the election (or defeat) of a political candidate. The initiative would not impact the amount of money spent by individuals or households — which is unlimited. 

“I support setting a $5k limit for PACs that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office,” said UMaine Journalism Student Alexa Perocillo. “I support this because unless they make it clear as to where the money is going specifically, there should be a limit,” she continued. 

“It’s important for our democracy, in order to maintain our Founding Fathers’ goals of ‘one person, one vote’ that we limit how much money can be funneled into PACs. Money is power, and someone’s wealth should not grant them a greater voice in democracy than someone who is poor. That simply isn’t fair,” said UMaine history student Lincoln Tiner.

The sentiment among students was not unanimous.

“I am usually against outside donors for political campaigns, as I think it can cause corruption. However, Maine and its politicians are relatively poorer than those in other states, so for state elections, I voted against setting a donation limit. I want to see those running for office be able to reach people all across the state and get their information out in an effective way—and to do that, they will need more money,” said Political Science Student Gabriel Dosreis. 

Question 2: Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?

“The fast development of technology, the changing climate and the various industries that serve as pillars of Maine’s economy require investment in order to keep Maine competitive and create new economic opportunities for businesses and workers in our state,” said Tiner, elaborating on the phrasing of Question 2.

“This is funding for the innovation of different fields, such as biomedicine, renewable energy, forestry and agriculture, marine technology and manufacturing: all central institutions in our state,” said political science student Memphis Peterson.

Question 3: Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?

“I fully supported this bill. I have worked with and volunteered with nonprofits for as long as I can remember so I’m always willing to support them. I am also a historical enthusiast who wants to see Maine’s historical buildings standing and not rot away and be forgotten. I take pride in the history of my state and I want the pieces that are left of that history to remain so it can be admired and enjoyed by my children…and future generations,” said Dosreis.

Question 4: Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for non-motorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?

Tiner, Dosreis and Peterson were all in agreement. 

“[We need] funding restoration and upkeep of historical buildings and trails, which are cores of Maine culture,” said Peterson. 

“Maine is an outdoors state. Whether you like fishing, hiking, walking or something else, the outdoors serves as a reprieve for many of us from the stresses of everyday life. Investing in these resources is important not only for our general enjoyment but also for out-of-staters who contribute to our tourism industry,” said Tiner. 

“I enjoy the outdoors and I see myself as an avid outdoorsman. I want everyone to have the equal opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as I do, so I also supported this bill,” said Dosreis.

Question 5: Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?

This question will restore the original state flag, used prior to the year 1909 from the current blue Dirigo flag used today. 

“I love the pine tree flag,” Dosreis says, “[But] I’m not a fan of the Original Maine company’s design because it’s too blocky…I think Shenna Bellows picked a somewhat better design. It combines both the realistic pine tree look that the original did but with a modern take. Maine’s pine tree flag is iconic and can be recognized anywhere across the country just like the flags of Texas and California. It has that old New England spirit to it, reminding me of the Continental flag and it feels like it represents us better than the current flag.” 

“I am a big fan of the proposed new state flag for Maine. I find state seals boring on flags, and I encourage flags to be a more unique symbol for a state. I grew up in Kansas and Arizona, and I much prefer the latter’s flag as it is a much more interesting symbol of the state’s culture. Seals are great and all, but having a different, more unique flag is another way to express the state’s values, culture and history,” Peterson added. 

Although students interviewed on referendum options expressed strong opinions, it is well known that not all students find the time to educate themselves on ballot questions prior to Election Day.

“As for whether voters do the homework and actually understand what they’re voting on, it’s hard to say. I’ll just say this: everyone should review these questions carefully, ” said Professor Glover. 

UMaine students can find more information about the specific 2024 Maine ballot referendum questions on Ballotpedia’s overview of Maine’s ballot measures and in the Bangor Daily News in-depth guide here.