| WMTW |
The Maine House of Representatives has approved a bill that would allow, but not require, all cities and towns in Maine to use ranked choice for voting in local elections.
The vote Tuesday was 75 to 61, falling largely along party lines with most Democrats voting in favor and most Republicans against. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Seth Berry of Bowdoinham, now heads to the Maine Senate.
”Elections in municipalities that do not have their own charters are dictated by state law.
The cities of Portland and Westbrook have both amended their charters to use ranked choice in municipal elections. Elections in municipalities that do not have their own charters are dictated by state law.
Maine already uses ranked choice for state primary elections and in federal elections but under the state constitution, state general elections for the legislature and governor are decided by plurality.
