There has been lots in the news about the ballot initiative that would ban transgender students from participating in the sport of the gender with which they identify. No matter how people feel about this issue, I think Mainers want the process of bringing a citizen-initiated referendum to the ballot to be fair and truly representative of the efforts of Maine residents.

I have serious concerns about this “citizen” initiative for several reasons. This campaign was mostly funded by billionaire Richard Uihlein, a resident of Illinois. The signature-gathering was conducted by paid workers. It is alleged that who were collecting signatures left their petition unattended, a clear violation of the rules.

I remember the first time I participated in collecting signatures to get an issue on the Maine ballot. I felt the weight of responsibility to follow the rules and to represent the issue truthfully. I felt the support of others working to advance a cause that could benefit people across the state. And I felt the pride of knowing that our collective efforts could make a difference. 

Somehow, having a campaign funded by an out-of-state billionaire and powered by people who received payment and collected signatures questionably seems the opposite of a true and fair citizens-initiated referendum. I hope that those in charge of evaluating the legal challenge to this referendum will do so in a way that restores trust in the process.

Mary Marra
Wells