Maine Secretary of State Shanna Belles defended her role in reviewing the qualifications of candidates running for office in a recent interview. Belles, who has faced criticism regarding her decisions, emphasized the importance of understanding the process and the constitutional authority given to state officials.
Belles began by underscoring that states have the power to control their own ballots, as explicitly stated in the Constitution. As the Secretary of State, she is obligated to review the qualifications of candidates seeking office.
