I read with interest a story that was recently published by the Portland Press Herald about the National Organization for Marriage finally disclosing its donors from a 2009 campaign in Maine.

It was appalling. With any election, voters are always going to disagree about who or what to vote for. But one thing we can all agree on is that we deserve an open process – one with transparency and accountability so that voters know who is trying to influence their vote by bankrolling campaigns.

The fact that it took more than five years for Mainers to find out who financed a highly publicized and expensive 2009 campaign in Maine shows that the system is broken.

That’s why it’s so important that voters support Question 1 on November’s statewide ballot.

Question 1 will reform our campaign finance system and increase transparency so that Mainers can follow the money and know who’s paying for ads. This allows us to spot corruption and conflicts of interest so that we can ensure elected officials are representing us – not wealthy campaign donors.

Question 1 will also hold those who break our election laws accountable by raising fines and penalties for campaign finance violations.

When the National Organization for Marriage refused to disclose its donors back in 2009, it was fined just 2.5 percent of what they spent illegally in Maine.

Question 1 will allow the state to fine violators up to 100 percent of what they spent illegally.

Now is the time for common sense campaign finance reform. I hope Mainers join me in voting “yes” on Question 1 in November.

Nicholas Moll

Portland