Policy Matters: The pros and cons of citizen-led ballot initiatives

Citizen-led ballot initiatives have had a long an impactful history in Maine. They have been used successfully to circumvent, support and override legislative action. For reference, citizen initiatives allow citizens to bypass the legislature and create law. A referendum puts an already established law before voters to uphold or repeal. Both require compliance with certain election standards and vetting. But are they ripe for abuse? Should they be changed? Join moderator Carol Coultas as she explores this issue with panelists James Melcher, Ph.D., University of Maine Farmington political science professor, and John Brautigam, senior advisor to the Maine chapter of the League of Women Voters in a virtual conversation