I’ve recently been at the Portland Farmers’ Market, talking with voters about a referendum that will be on the ballot this November.

Everyone I have talked to, no matter their political beliefs, can agree that politicians should be accountable to their voters, not wealthy donors and special interest groups.

In the last few years, Maine’s effective Clean Election Act has been weakened because of unfortunate U.S. Supreme Court decisions, allowing special interests to gain too much influence in our elections. However, we can take a stand and defend the values we hold dear.

More than 80,000 Mainers have signed a petition to put a question on the ballot this November that will restore accountability and transparency in our elections.

The Clean Elections Initiative will require special interests to disclose their top three donors at the end of every attack ad they produce. It will beef up the penalties for violators of campaign finance laws so that fines are a real deterrent, not just the cost of doing business.

Altogether, the Clean Elections Initiative will make our election process of, by and for Maine people, just as the framers of our Constitution intended.

The time has come to take a stand against money in politics. Whatever your political affiliation, I urge you to join me in helping to make sure Maine leads the charge.

To find out more about this important initiative on your ballot in November, please visit accountableelections.org.

Peter Dutton

Portland

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