Maine voters reject voter ID ballot measure, approve red flag gun laws

Maine voters defeated a voter ID ballot initiative and approved “red flag” gun restrictions in Tuesday’s off-year election.

The voter ID and absentee voting initiative, dubbed “Question 1,” was rejected by voters in a massive backlash and was expected to fail shortly after the state’s polls closed.

It would be “Question 1” essential voters Presenting a photo ID for both in-person and absentee voting. It would also place a limit on the number of ballot drop boxes per municipality and require absentee voters to submit a written application before each election, according to the Associated Press.

“Yes on 1” campaign advocate Alex Titcomb and Maine state Rep. Laurel Libby said: Portland Press Herald He said Maine’s Secretary of State Shenna Bellows “used her position of power to weaponize the ballot question.”

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“Ultimately, Maine voters did not have the opportunity to vote on Voter ID. The opposition claimed Question 1 would eliminate absentee voting and focused their campaign on that construct. Instead of honestly discussing the benefits of Voter ID, they spread lies and fear to persuade voters to vote against their own interests,” they said.

Signs supporting and opposing the state’s voter ID referendum are displayed in Scarborough, Maine, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. (Patrick Whittle/AP)

Opponents of “Question 1” believed it would limit voting access. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said: his X account He said the results were “a huge win for all Mainers.”

“The DNC was proud to support efforts to ensure Mainers have access to the ballot box, including absentee voting,” Martin wrote.

Maine voters also strongly supported “Question 2,” which would have enacted extreme protective order legislation, often referred to as a “red flag” law.

A customer shops at Maine Military Supply on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Holden, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP)

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It is prohibited to “purchase, possess, or control a dangerous weapon” if a person is suspected of “posing a significant danger of causing physical injury to the person or another person.” Maine’s election guide Published by Bellows.

Maine already has a “yellow flag” law that requires law enforcement to take a person into custody first. protective custody if they are believed to be a danger to themselves or others. The person must then undergo a mental health evaluation before the judge can order the temporary removal of the firearms.