Question 2 on the statewide ballot this Nov. 7 asks, “Do you want to ban foreign governments and entities that they own, control, or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions?”

A “yes” vote on Question 2 bans foreign governments and entities that they own, control or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions.

I thought voters might appreciate some background on why this vote is even needed, how we got to this point and why I will be voting yes on 2. The premise of this initiative is simple. As foreign governments cannot contribute money to the elections of lawmakers, they ought not to be able to contribute money to the elections to make laws.

However, the Federal Elections Commission recently ruled that it has no jurisdiction over state referendum campaigns, creating this dangerous loophole that allows foreign governments — and entities they control — to spend in referendum campaigns unless explicitly prohibited by state law.

A yes vote on Question 2 would close that loophole and put elections back in the hands of Maine people — and out of reach from foreign government-owned entities.

This initiative also protects the free speech, representation and votes of all Mainers by affirming Maine’s support for an anti-corruption amendment to the U.S. Constitution and charging the Maine Ethics Commission to report on the progress made by Maine’s delegation in Congress to advance this amendment. Such an amendment would allow states and Congress to set reasonable limits on campaign spending and contributions.

Legislation banning foreign government electioneering in Maine was first introduced during the 129th Legislature but, because of the pandemic, that bill never had a vote in committee. During the last Legislature two years ago, I sponsored LD 194 — a similar bill that received bipartisan support. LD 194 was enacted by the Legislature, only to be vetoed by the governor.

Then the Maine voters took matters into their own hands. Last year, over 400 volunteers helped to collect the signatures of over 80,000 Mainers. The secretary of state subsequently certified the petitions. As with any initiated bill, the Legislature had the opportunity to pass the bill outright or send it directly to the 2023 ballot.

After hearing from thousands of voters in support of the measure, including during over two hours of public testimony, the 131st Legislature enacted the bill with broad bipartisan support. Sadly, the governor once again ignored the will of the Legislature and wisdom of the people and vetoed the initiative.

Fortunately, the people of Maine now have the opportunity to lead once again on this issue and vote yes on Question 2 to protect Maine elections from foreign government interference.

If you are still on the fence about Question 2, please consider the following:

●   Since 2020, foreign government-owned entities have spent over $100 million in Maine Elections. The stakes are high;

●   Maine government isn’t permitted to spend in elections. We cannot allow foreign governments to do so;

●   It is unthinkable that we would permit a foreign government or foreign government-owned entity to launch or influence a campaign to, say, loosen fish farm regulations off Maine’s cherished coastline. However, under current Maine law that would be permitted.

There is deep support among Maine’s people in banning foreign governments and foreign government-owned entities from spending in our elections, with 82% of Maine voters supporting the measure. It’s time we pass this measure to protect our elections.

Please join me and a majority of your fellow Maine voters in voting yes on Question 2.

Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford) represents western Maine. He is the Senate Republican Lead on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and a member of the Government Oversight Committee. He is the chair of the Protect Maine Elections Ballot Question Committee.