Maine 2018 Referendums: Ranked Choice Voting and Home Health Care Funding
In 2018, the citizens of Maine exercised their direct democratic rights through two distinct statewide referendums. Both initiatives were citizen-initiated proposals, meaning they were placed on the ballot through public petition rather than legislative action. These votes addressed two very different aspects of state governance: the mechanics of the electoral process and the funding of essential social services.
Key Facts
- Two citizen-initiated proposals appeared on the Maine statewide ballot in 2018.
- The June 12 referendum focused on the repeal of a delay for ranked choice voting.
- The June 12 vote was successful, with 53.88% voting in favor.
- The November 6 referendum proposed a 3.8% tax on income exceeding $128,400.
- The November proposal aimed to fund in-home health care for elderly and disabled residents.
The June Special Referendum: Ranked Choice Voting
On June 12, 2018, coinciding with the state primary elections, Maine voters faced a critical decision regarding ranked choice voting—a system where voters rank candidates by preference rather than selecting a single choice. This specific vote was a "people's veto," a mechanism allowing citizens to repeal a law recently passed by the state legislature.
The legislature had previously passed a law to delay the implementation of ranked choice voting, a system that had originally been approved by Maine voters in a 2016 referendum. Supporters of the people's veto feared that this delay could eventually lead to the total repeal of the system. The voters ultimately rejected the legislative delay, with 53.88% voting yes to ensure the system moved forward.
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The November General Referendum: Home Health Care Funding
The second citizen-initiated proposal appeared on the regularly scheduled ballot on November 6, 2018, alongside federal and state office elections. This proposal focused on expanding social services for vulnerable populations.
The initiative sought to establish a new funding stream for in-home health care services specifically for disabled and elderly Mainers. To achieve this, the proposal suggested implementing a 3.8% tax on individual income above $128,400. Additionally, the plan included the creation of a dedicated government board to oversee and administer the resulting funds.
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Summary of 2018 Maine Referendums
| Election Date | Subject | Primary Goal | Outcome/Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2018 | Ranked Choice Voting | Repeal legislative delay | Successful (53.88% Yes) |
| November 6, 2018 | Home Health Care | Fund elderly/disabled care | Proposed 3.8% tax over $128,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the June 12, 2018, referendum?
The June referendum was a people's veto intended to repeal a law passed by the Maine Legislature that had delayed the implementation of ranked choice voting.
Did the ranked choice voting repeal succeed?
Yes, the people's veto was successful, with 53.88% of voters supporting the repeal of the delay.
How was the proposed home health care funding to be financed?
The proposal suggested a 3.8% tax on income exceeding $128,400 to fund the services.
Who would have benefited from the home health care proposal?
The funding was intended to provide in-home health care services for elderly and disabled residents of Maine.
How would the home health care funds have been managed?
The proposal included the creation of a government board specifically tasked with administering the funds.