In a recent interview, Maine Secretary of State, Shanna Belles, discussed the criticism surrounding her decision and addressed concerns that it takes away voters' right to have their voices heard. Belles emphasized her primary obligation to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, stating that different states have different election processes.
Comparing neighboring New Hampshire, where over a dozen candidates are on the Democratic presidential primary ballot and multiple Republican candidates also feature, to Maine's two Democratic candidates and fewer than a dozen Republican candidates, Belles highlighted the varying dynamics that exist across states. She reiterated that her duty and sole consideration lie in her oath to uphold the Constitution.
