Maine conservatives' anti-trans ballot measure push unraveling after signature controversy

A Maine ballot measure restricting bathroom access and participation in sports teams for trans youth could be removed from the November ballot because of signature collection errors. A staffer at the Maine secretary of state's office said over 12,000 signatures should be invalidated because signature gatherers did not follow required procedures. If those signatures are rejected, the measure would fall below the threshold needed to appear on ballots. The proposal would bar transgender students from using school bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams aligned with their gender identity. Supporters plan to challenge the invalidation, arguing voters should be able to consider the initiative. Opponents allege petition handling problems, including unattended signature sheets and improper certification by circulators. The secretary of state is expected to issue a final decision on whether the measure remains on the ballot.

"Community members and opponents of the measure have long alleged that petitions tied to the campaign were improperly handled, including claims that signature sheets were left unattended in public locations. State officials also found that some petition circulators failed to properly certify signatures before submitting them to the secretary of state's office."

Read at Advocate.com