The Maine Wire
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Maine Wire TV
  • Podcasts
  • About
  • Contact
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending News
  • Chinese Foreign Nationals Entering U.S. Illegally at Record Levels
  • Maine Private School Teacher Was Fired After Criticizing Critical Race Theory and Posting Jordan Peterson Videos
  • Maine on Track for Record Level of Eviction Filings This Year
  • Dem Senator Indicted Over Alleged Bribery Scheme
  • McDonald’s Is Being Sued Over a Spilled Cup of Excessively Hot Coffee — Again
  • Report of Gun Leads to Arrests, Fentanyl Seizure at Auburn Homeless Encampment
  • Portland Mayoral Candidates Explain How They Would Tackle the City’s Homelessness Crisis
  • Boston University Launches Inquiry into Ibram X. Kendi’s $43 Million Antiracism Center Amid Mass Layoffs, Accusations of Financial Mismanagement
Facebook Twitter Instagram
The Maine Wire
Login
Monday, September 25
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Maine Wire TV
  • Podcasts
  • About
  • Contact
The Maine Wire
Home » News » It’s Not Enough to Show Up to Vote
Commentary

It’s Not Enough to Show Up to Vote

Paul LePageBy Paul LePageJuly 21, 2016No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Being an engaged citizen is more important today than ever.

As the general election in November approaches, we as Americans have choices to make. This presidential race will mark a pivotal point in our nation’s history and it is up to the people to vote for a leader who will protect our country and our people.

I believe voting is a responsibility each one of us shares. I am not one to tell you how to vote, but it is important that voters know what they are voting for.

Mainers tend to turnout in large numbers to the polls during presidential election years. In 2012, more than 60 percent voted, which was higher than the national average.

In Maine, this year we have significant issues on the ballot. There are five questions Mainers have to consider. My staff and I have been researching each of the questions and we are learning about how these issues will affect Maine. Now until November, I will do my best to provide you with facts so you may make informed decisions.

But not all information is equal. Recently, a concerned citizen alerted me regarding information distributed by the St. Michael Parish. To my surprise, the parish voluntarily shared information from the group Mainers for Responsible Gun Ownership. The group is advocating for the passage of one of the questions on the ballot, which mandates universal background checks. This group is clearly advocating for a “Yes” vote and has targeted churchgoers.

Why a church would allow electioneering propaganda to infiltrate its parish is questionable and, unfortunately, misinformation is spreading. Because this parish has chosen to take sides, I feel it necessary to provide more clarity of the facts so voters may make an informed decision in November.

First, this question to voters could prove to be unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of background checks, but has never had occasion to rule on a blanket, one-size-fits-all background check requirement that is included by the proposed initiative.

Second, if you want to sell or loan firearms to a friend and this passes, you want to understand exactly what this means or you unknowingly could be subject to criminal sanctions.

The initiative would make it illegal to simply sell or loan firearms to a friend without first having a background check performed on the friend.  Further, the exception for hunting only applies if the friend takes possession while in the act of hunting. Under the terms of the initiative, a friend cannot loan you a gun without first performing a background check unless the friend accompanies you during every minute of the hunt or unless the friend takes possession while in the act of hunting.

Simply put, this is confusing and a convoluted question that will create unintended consequences for many Mainers.

With your vote, there is great responsibility in understanding what it represents. From now until November people and groups will lobby from the left and the right for your vote.

In an effort to better inform Mainers so you can make up your own mind, I am putting information about this question and others on the Governor’s website. I encourage you to take time to understand all the questions and what a yes or a no vote will mean. You can find the information at www.Maine.gov/governor.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
background check Featured gun control Opinion question 3 referendum Second Amendment UBC universal background check
Previous ArticleMadawaska Considers Welfare Reforms Amid Economic Struggles
Next Article Maine Town Postpones Plan for Welfare Drug-Testing
Paul LePage

Governor Paul LePage (R) has served as the 74th Governor of Maine since 2011. Prior to his time as governor, LePage served as the general manager of Marden's and as the mayor of Waterville.

Related Posts

Mills: “Please Vote No On Question 3”

September 21, 2023

Who is Hansjörg Wyss, the Billionaire Swiss National Bankrolling Progressive Media and Politics in Maine?

September 20, 2023

The Road to Manhood: V. Paul Reynolds

September 20, 2023

Leave A Reply

Recent News

Chinese Foreign Nationals Entering U.S. Illegally at Record Levels

September 25, 2023

Maine Private School Teacher Was Fired After Criticizing Critical Race Theory and Posting Jordan Peterson Videos

September 25, 2023

Maine on Track for Record Level of Eviction Filings This Year

September 25, 2023

Dem Senator Indicted Over Alleged Bribery Scheme

September 22, 2023

McDonald’s Is Being Sued Over a Spilled Cup of Excessively Hot Coffee — Again

September 22, 2023
Newsletter

News

  • News
  • Campaigns & Elections
  • Opinion & Commentary
  • Media Watch
  • Education
  • Media

Maine Wire

  • About the Maine Wire
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Submit Commentary
  • Complaints
  • Maine Policy Institute

Resources

  • Maine Legislature
  • Legislation Finder
  • Get the Newsletter
  • Maine Wire TV

Facebook Twitter Instagram Steam RSS
  • Post Office Box 7829, Portland, Maine 04112

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login below or Register Now.

Lost password?

Register Now!

Already registered? Login.

A password will be e-mailed to you.