Less than one-10th of 1 percent of the American population contributed most of the $3.7 billion spent in the 2014 election cycle. These wealthy few individuals do not reflect the interests of the electorate at large.
We have a chance to change that. Statewide Question 1, which has strong bipartisan support, would limit the influence of wealthy special interest money on our elections.
After the courts and Legislature weakened Maine’s Clean Election Act, a law passed by voters in 1996, Question 1 would strengthen our law.
It allows candidates to run for state office by accepting $5 contributions from voters in their district, which qualifies them for public money to run campaigns.
Fines for violations would also increase, and top funding sources would have to be disclosed on certain political ads.
Elected officials should be accountable to their constituents, not to wealthy donors or special interests. On Nov. 3, vote “yes” on Question 1.
Andrew A. Cadot
Portland
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