Maine Voter ID Initiative Language Challenge
Titcomb v. Bellows
An anti-voting lawsuit challenging the wording of a ballot question on voter ID requirements and absentee voting restrictions.
Background
Voters filed a lawsuit against Maine Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, arguing that ballot question she approved for a November 2025 ballot initiative was misleading and confusing. The initiative, supported by the plaintiffs, would require citizens to show government-issued ID to vote and impose other restrictions on absentee voting. The plaintiffs argue that the official wording suggests voter ID laws are a problem and doesn’t clearly explain what the proposal would do. They contend the language used in the ballot was biased against the measure and violates Maine election law which requires ballot questions to be “clear, concise and direct.” The plaintiffs are seeking a rewrite of the ballot question in more neutral terms.
Why It Matters
Voter ID laws do make it harder for certain groups to vote, especially elderly, rural and low-income people. Pro-voting advocates argue this ballot initiative goes even further than voter ID, threatening absentee voting access as well. This lawsuit is part of a broader effort to pass stricter voting requirements by making the ballot question sound more fair and appealing to voters.
Latest Updates
- July 8, 2025: Oral argument scheduled in the Maine Supreme Court.
- June 18, 2025: Petitioners appealed the court’s June 13 order.
- June 13, 2025: A state court upheld the wording of the ballot question and concluded the ballot question is not misleading. It will not be rewritten.
- May 20, 2025: The DSCC, DCCC, DGA, and two voters filed a motion to intervene and defend the ballot question.
- May 12, 2025: Petitioners filed their petition.