PORTLAND, Maine — A bill opening the door to immigrants and other noncitizens to vote in municipal elections is getting a frosty reception from the chairman of the Maine Republican Party.
GOP Chairman Charlie Webster says it’s a “lamed-brained proposal” by lawmakers who should instead be focusing on bigger problems: solving the state’s budget and health care problems.
The proposal is sponsored by lawmakers representing cities with large immigrant communities, Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, and Rep. Brian Bolduc, D-Auburn.
Maine’s top election official, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, says he doesn’t think Alfond’s proposal does any harm.