The sequence of the two referendum issues that will be on the ballot in the fall was decided by state elections officials on Thursday.
Voters are asked in Question 1 if they want to start requiring people to present a photo ID in order to cast a ballot next year. In addition, the proposal would limit communities to a single ballot drop box and do away with two days of early voting in Maine’s absentee ballot system.
On the other hand, Question 2 is a proposal from gun control organizations to establish a “red flag” firearms law in Maine. It would enable members of the household or family to ask a judge directly to order someone to give up their firearms for a set period of time. The “yellow flag” law that is now in effect in Maine only permits police to initiate that process with the courts. According to the current law, before a person’s firearms can be seized, a medical expert must concur that the person is a danger to themselves or others.
Pieces of paper with the questions were put in a bowl to decide the order on the ballot. Then, without thinking, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows made the Voter ID proposal the opening question.
November 4 is election day.
