In Maine, voters will decide on an initiative to limit campaign contributions to $5,000 from individuals and entities to political action committees that make independent expenditures, also known as super PACS. The ballot initiative was indirect, meaning the legislature had the option to approve the initiative outright. The Maine State Legislature adjourned on April 17 without taking action on the initiative, meaning voters will decide the issue in Nov.
The laws that govern super PACs are different from the regulations of other PACs. These PACs can accept unlimited contributions and spend an unlimited amount supporting or opposing federal election candidates, but they cannot directly donate to federal candidates or parties.
The initiative was received by the secretary of state on Oct. 30, 2023, and approved to circulate. On Feb. 22, 2024, the secretary of state’s office announced that the sponsors submitted 76,081 valid signatures. At least 67,682 needed to be valid. The initiative was introduced in the state legislature as LD 2232 on Feb. 28, 2024. No vote was taken by either chamber.
