A legal challenge over voter participation rules ahead of a Democratic caucus in Lewiston moved into court Friday, adding tension as both parties prepare for a Feb. 24 special election to fill the vacant House District 94 seat.
Kiernan Majerus-Collins filed a complaint Friday morning in Maine Superior Court in Androscoggin County against the Lewiston Democratic Committee, seeking an injunction to block the committee from barring same-day voter registration at a Democratic caucus scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
According to a public Facebook post by his mother, Jackie Majerus-Collins, the filing was prompted by the committee’s decision not to allow same-day registration, a practice permitted under Maine law and previously used by the local party. The post alleged the change would limit participation by certain voters.
The complaint asks a judge to prevent the party from turning away potential voters at the caucus, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday and is intended to select a Democratic nominee for the special election.
“Breaking with tradition, city Democrats are attempting to prevent voters in a district with many American citizens with Somali ancestry from participating in a precious civic activity: voting.” I hope these local Dems will realize their mistake and do the right thing tomorrow without having to be forced” said Collins.
In addition to Majerus-Collins, City Councilor Scott Harriman is also known to be seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat, though final names on the ballot will depend on the outcome of the caucus process. Harriman has received local endorsements as he campaigns for the House District 94 seat. Harriman is a current Lewiston City Councilor and the Council’s representative on the Lewiston School Committee. Harriman was one of the five school committee members who voted not investigate the residency issues around Iman Osman.
The court action came one day after Republicans selected their candidate for the seat. On Friday evening, Janet Beaudoin won the Republican nomination at a GOP caucus held at the Amorey in Lewiston.
In a Facebook post following the caucus, Beaudoin wrote, “It’s official! I’m the Republican nominee for House District 94 in the upcoming special election on February 24, 2026. I was the sole nominee, and our party came together unanimously. No drama, no division. Just work.. starting now!”
Beaudoin currently serves on the Lewiston School Committee.
The special election was scheduled after the District 94 seat became vacant when former Democratic Rep. Kristen Cloutier resigned in late October to take on a new role as chief of staff to the Maine Senate president.
As of Friday night, it was unclear whether the court would rule on the injunction request before the Democratic caucus convenes.
