2014 Maine Question 1

Last updated

Question 1: Citizen Initiative
An Act To Prohibit the Use of Dogs, Bait or Traps When Hunting Bears Except under Certain Circumstances
Results
Choice
Votes %
Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svg Yes279,61746.56%
Light brown x.svg No320,87353.44%
Valid votes600,49097.99%
Invalid or blank votes12,3312.01%
Total votes612,821100.00%
Source: Office of the Secretary of State of Maine, Tabulation of Votes

Maine Question 1 (MQ1), "An Act To Prohibit the Use of Dogs, Bait or Traps When Hunting Bears Except under Certain Circumstances", was a citizen-initiated referendum measure in Maine, which was voted on in the general election of November 4, 2014. As the Maine Legislature declined to act on the proposed statute, it was automatically placed on the ballot. The proposal was defeated by 320,873 "No" votes to 279,617 "Yes". [1]

Contents

Background

In 2013, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) decided to push for a restrictions on bear hunting in Maine. Maine voters previously rejected a ban on using traps, bait, and dogs to hunt bears on 2 November 2004, with 389,455 opposed and 344,322 in favor. [2]

With support from HSUS, some Maine residents formed Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting (MFBH). On 9 July 2013, MFBH began collecting 80,000 signatures to place the question on the November 2014 ballot. 57,277 signatures were required to do so. [3] MFBH submitted the signatures on 3 February 2014. [4] On 5 March, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap certified 63,626 valid signatures. [5] Under Maine law, MQ1 was then submitted to the Maine Legislature for action as LD 1845 IB 1. [6] On 25 March, the legislature indefinitely postponed action on MQ 5, thereby sending it to the voters.

Secretary Dunlap released the final wording of the question on 25 June. It was "Do you want to ban bear hunting using bait, traps or dogs except to protect property, public safety or for research?" As the only citizen referendum to reach the ballot, it was designated Question 1 per Maine law. [7]

Campaign

Opponents of the petition gathering effort announced the formation of Save Maine's Bear Hunt (SMBH) on September 23, 2013. SMBH had the support of the three major candidates for governor in 2014, and of 80 state legislators and 20 organizations. SMBH characterized the referendum as a vote on how to manage wildlife in Maine, and not on hunting methods, believing that wildlife professionals know best how to manage the bear population. They further criticized the intervention of HSUS in a local matter. [8]

MFBH stated their goal was to end what they call "cruel and unsportsmanlike" practices, which they claimed were not necessary to control the bear population in Maine. They also claimed the previous referendum effort failed due to "scare tactics" and misinformation. [9]

MFBH was almost entirely funded by HSUS. From 28 May to 15 July, HSUS gave $780,000 to MFBH. In the same period, SMBH and other opponents raised about $250,000. [10] HSUS president Wayne Pacelle personally canvassed homes in Portland on August 10, [10] and in Bangor on September 13. [11]

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) and DIF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock officially opposed MQ1. MFBH sued DIF&W on September 30, demanding that DIF&W comply with MFBH's Freedom of Access Act requests, cease campaigning against Question 1, and repay state funds used for campaign activities. MFBH stated "We do respect the agency's right to provide factual information to voters, but they've repeatedly gone above and beyond that, and it's time for that to stop." Commissioner Woodcock called the lawsuit politically motivated and meant to "generate headlines". [12] MFBH asked for an emergency injunction to stop DFI&W's campaigning.

In response, DIF&W announced on October 17 that it would stop using state funds to oppose the referendum, while maintaining that its actions were lawful. [13]

Maine Superior Court Judge Joyce Wheeler denied the request for the injunction on October 22, stating that "The public interest would be adversely affected if plaintiffs' request for a temporary restraining order were granted when DIF&W's speech is on topics squarely within 'its competence as governor'" of Legislative directives. The Maine Attorney General's office called the ruling a victory for free speech, while MFBH said "Our government shouldn't be telling us how to vote." [14]

After the failure of the referendum, it was speculated that its presence on the ballot aided Paul LePage's reelection as Governor, as it brought out voters also amenable to supporting LePage. [15]

Polling

Date of opinion pollConducted by Sample size
(likely voters)
YesNoUndecidedMargin of Error
October 23–29, 2014 [16] Bangor Daily News/Ipsos48845%49%6%±5.1%
October 15–21, 2014 [17] University of New Hampshire66736%57%7%±3.8%
October 6–12, 2014 [16] Bangor Daily News/Ipsos54043%49%7%±4.8%
September 18–25, 2014 [18] University of New Hampshire44141%53%6%±4.4%
June 12–18, 2014 [18] University of New Hampshire44148%44%8%±4.4%

Notable endorsements

Supporters

Opponents

Declined to endorse

Related Research Articles

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an American nonprofit organization that focuses on animal welfare and opposes animal-related cruelties of national scope. It uses strategies that are beyond the abilities of local organizations. It works on issues including pets, wildlife, farm animals, horses and other equines, and animals used in research, testing and education. As of 2001, the group's major campaigns targeted factory farming, hunting, the fur trade, puppy mills, and wildlife abuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Opposition to hunting</span> Movement against hunting

Opposition to hunting is espoused by people or groups who object to the practice of hunting, often seeking anti-hunting legislation and sometimes taking on acts of civil disobedience, such as hunt sabotage. Anti-hunting laws, such as the English Hunting Act 2004, are generally distinguishable from conservation legislation like the American Marine Mammal Protection Act by whether they seek to reduce or prevent hunting for perceived cruelty-related reasons or to regulate hunting for conservation, although the boundaries of distinction are sometimes blurred in specific laws, for example when endangered animals are hunted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matthew Dunlap</span> American politician from Maine

Matthew Dunlap is an American politician from Maine who has served as the Maine State Auditor since November, 2022, and previously from January to October, 2021. A Democrat, Dunlap served as Secretary of State of Maine from January 7, 2013, to January 4, 2021, and previously served in that same post from 2005 to 2011. In 2012, he sought to become his party's nominee to replace retiring Olympia Snowe, but lost in the primary to State Senator Cynthia Dill. Prior to his first election as secretary of state in 2005, he represented Old Town in the Maine House of Representatives for four terms beginning in 1996. On December 2, 2020, Dunlap was elected Maine State Auditor by the Maine Legislature and took office on January 4, 2021. Dunlap had to vacate the position after failing the exams needed to meet the requirements of the position the following October, and was replaced by Jacob Norton. He did later meet the requirements and was selected for the position again on November 14, 2022.

Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Maine since December 29, 2012. A bill for the legalization of same-sex marriages was approved by voters, 53–47 percent, on November 6, 2012, as Maine, Maryland and Washington became the first U.S. states to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. Election results were certified by the Maine Secretary of State's office and the Governor of Maine, Paul LePage, on November 29. Maine was the eighth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Maine Question 1</span> Referendum on same-sex marriage

Maine Question 1 was a voter referendum conducted in Maine in the United States in 2009 that rejected a law legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. The measure passed 53–47% on November 3, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maine Warden Service</span> Police agency

The Maine Warden Service is a police agency in the United States State of Maine responsible for the enforcement of fisheries and wildlife laws, and the coordination of search and rescue in wilderness areas of the state. Maine's game wardens strive to protect the state's fishing and hunting resources, Enforcing strict limits on the activities listed above to keep animal populations stable. Maine's Warden Service is operationally part of Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, it is the oldest conservation law enforcement agency in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Maine Question 1</span> Referendum on same-sex marriage

Maine Question 1 was a voter referendum on an initiated state statute that occurred on November 6, 2012. The referendum was held to determine whether or not to legalize same-sex marriage. The referendum passed with a 53-47% vote legalizing same-sex marriage in Maine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moose Point State Park</span> State park in Waldo County, Maine

Moose Point State Park is a day-use public recreation area overlooking Penobscot Bay in Searsport, Maine, located off U.S. Route 1 near the Belfast town line. The state park features panoramic views, hiking trails, tidal pools, and picnicking facilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fort Point State Park</span> State park in Waldo County, Maine

Fort Point State Park is a public recreation area that overlooks Penobscot Bay from the easternmost tip of Cape Jellison in the town of Stockton Springs, Maine. The state park's 156 acres (63 ha) feature the Fort Point Light and the site of historic Fort Pownall. The park offers hiking trails, picnicking, and fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Maine gubernatorial election</span>

The 2018 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the governor of Maine. It occurred along with elections for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and other state and local elections. Incumbent Republican governor Paul LePage was term-limited and could not seek re-election to a third consecutive term; he later unsuccessfully sought a third term in 2022. This was one of eight Republican-held governorships up for election in a state carried by Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Maine Question 1</span>

Maine Question 1, "An Act To Strengthen the Maine Clean Election Act, Improve Disclosure and Make Other Changes to the Campaign Finance Laws", was a citizen-initiated referendum measure in Maine, which appeared on the November 3, 2015 statewide ballot. As the Maine Legislature did not exercise its ability to pass the bill on its own, it was placed on the ballot and approved by Maine voters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Maine Question 5</span> Referendum on instant-runoff voting

Maine Question 5, formally An Act to Establish Ranked-Choice Voting, is a citizen-initiated referendum question that qualified for the Maine November 8, 2016 statewide ballot. It was approved by a vote of 52% in favor, 48% opposed. It sought to change how most Maine elections will be conducted from plurality voting to instant-runoff voting. It appeared on the ballot along with elections for President of the United States, Maine's two U.S. House seats, the legislature, five other ballot questions, and various local elections. The referendum was successful, making Maine the first state to use ranked choice voting for its federal elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Maine Question 4</span>

Maine Question 4, formally An Act to Raise the Minimum Wage, is a citizen-initiated referendum question that appeared on the Maine November 8, 2016 statewide ballot. It sought to increase Maine's minimum wage from $7.50 per hour to $12 an hour by 2020, as well as increasing the minimum wage for tipped employees gradually to the same level by 2024. It would also index increases after 2024 to inflation. As the Maine Legislature and Governor Paul LePage declined to enact the proposal as written, it appeared on the ballot along with elections for President of the United States, Maine's two U.S. House seats, the Legislature, other statewide ballot questions, and various local elections. Efforts to place a competing, more moderate proposal alongside the citizen-initiated bill were unsuccessful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Maine Question 3</span> Citizen-initiated referendum on gun background checks

Maine Question 3, formally An Act to Require Background Checks for Gun Sales, was a citizen-initiated referendum question that appeared on the Maine November 8, 2016 statewide ballot. It sought to require a background check for virtually all gun transfers in Maine, with some exceptions. As the Maine Legislature and Governor Paul LePage declined to enact the proposal as written, it appeared on the ballot along with elections for President of the United States, Maine's two United States House seats, the Maine Legislature, other statewide ballot questions, and various local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Maine Question 2</span>

Maine Question 2, formally An Act to Establish The Fund to Advance Public Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education, was a citizen-initiated referendum question that appeared on the Maine November 8, 2016 statewide ballot. It sought to increase state aid to public schools by instituting a surcharge of 3% on Maine income taxes for those with income above $200,000 a year. As the Maine Legislature declined to enact the proposal as written, it appeared on the ballot along with elections for President of the United States, Maine's two U.S. House seats, the Legislature, and various local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Maine Question 1</span> Citizen-initiated referendum to legalize marijuana

Maine Question 1, formally An Act to Legalize Marijuana, is a citizen-initiated referendum question that qualified for the Maine November 8, 2016 statewide ballot. It was qualified for the ballot after a Maine Superior Court judge ordered that petitions rejected by the Maine Secretary of State be reconsidered. The proposal sought to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Maine for those over the age of 21, and institute a 10 percent tax on its sale. As the Maine Legislature and Governor Paul LePage declined to enact the proposal as written, it appeared on the ballot along with elections for President of the United States, Maine's two U.S. House seats, the Legislature, other statewide ballot questions, and various local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Maine Question 2</span>

Maine Question 2, formally entitled "An Act To Enhance Access to Affordable Health Care", was a citizen-initiated ballot measure that appeared on the November 7, 2017 statewide ballot in the State of Maine. Maine Question 2 sought to expand Medicaid eligibility under the terms of the Affordable Care Act. The measure passed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Maine Question 1</span> Referendum on allowing casinos in York County

Maine Question 1, formally An Act To Allow Slot Machines or a Casino in York County, was a citizen-initiated referendum question that appeared on the November 7, 2017, statewide ballot in Maine. It sought to award a license for the construction and operation of a casino in York County, Maine by a qualified entity as spelled out in the proposed law, with tax revenue generated by the casino to go to specific programs. The wording of the proposed law effectively permitted only one company, Capital 7, to be awarded the license. The ballot measure was defeated, with 83% of voters opposing it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">November 2018 Maine Question 1</span>

Maine Question 1 is a citizen-initiated referendum that appeared on the November 6, 2018 statewide ballot. It sought to implement a tax on higher incomes in Maine to fund in-home health care services for elderly and disabled Mainers, as well as to create a government board to administer the funds. The vote coincided with general elections for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the Maine Legislature, and other local elections. It qualified for the ballot due to supporters collecting signatures from registered Maine voters. It was defeated 62.86% to 37.14%.

The Christian Civic League of Maine is a political lobbying group founded to support prohibition of alcohol and later advocating for various conservative Christian policies in the government of the US state of Maine. It is the Focus on the Family affiliate organization for Maine, and its policy priorities today resemble that of this parent organization. It has worked to oppose same-sex marriage and adoption, to censor pornography, to oppose gambling, to legally permit LGBT employment discrimination, and to support conversion therapy.

References

  1. 2014 Maine Elections Results Portland Press-Herald Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  2. "Department of the Secretary of State General Election Tabulations". 2 November 2004. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  3. "Group wants bear-baiting referendum in Maine". NECN. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  4. Wight, Patty (3 February 2014). "Maine Bear Baiting Opponents Deliver 80K Petition Signatures". MPBN.net. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  5. Handy, Sharon (5 March 2014). "Citizen's referendum to restrict bear hunting methods advances". WMTW TV. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  6. "An Act To Prohibit the Use of Dogs, Bait or Traps When Hunting Bears Except under Certain Circumstances" Maine Legislature Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  7. Sarnacki, Aislinn (26 June 2014). "State releases final wording of ballot question on bear referendum". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  8. 1 2 Holyoke, John (September 23, 2013). "Maine bear hunting referendum opponents unveil coalition". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  9. Holyoke, John (August 7, 2013). "Groups join in effort for new Maine bear hunting referendum". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Sarnacki, Aislinn (August 11, 2014). "Visit by U.S. humane society president brings national view to Maine's bear baiting vote". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  11. McCrea, Nick (September 14, 2014). "Humane Society CEO goes door to door in Bangor to solicit support to ban 'inhumane, unsporting bear hunting practices'". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  12. Sarnacki, Aislinn (September 30, 2014). "Bear referendum proponents sue Maine wildlife department for campaign activities". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  13. Sarnacki, Aislinn (October 17, 2014). "Maine wildlife department halts use of state money to campaign against Question 1 in response to hearing". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  14. Harrison, Judy (October 17, 2014). "Judge: Maine wildlife department can campaign on bear hunting question". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  15. "Shock upset or inevitable victory? How LePage won a second term as governor". 5 November 2014.
  16. 1 2 Bangor Daily News/Ipsos poll results, October 23-29, 2014
  17. Poll: A majority of Mainers oppose ban on bear-baiting, October 26, 2014
  18. 1 2 In Maine gubernatorial race, bear baiting referendum could have the sleeper effect
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting endorsements
  20. "Famous talk show host Bill Maher endorses referendum to ban bear baiting". Bangor Daily News . September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  21. "Real sportsmen don't need bait, hounds or traps". Journal-Tribune. 2014-09-13. Archived from the original on 2014-09-25.
  22. "Bear baiting". The Times Record . May 20, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2014.
  23. "It's time to ban bear baiting". The Portsmouth Herald . October 14, 2014. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  24. "Senator Angus King defends Maine's bear management". Bangor Daily News.com. April 5, 2014. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Save Maine's Bear Hunt endorsements". Archived from the original on 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  26. 1 2 Brewer, Paula (October 21, 2014). "Collins, Bellows disagree over minimum wage, health care in first debate". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  27. "Maine game warden Kris MacCabe stars in video opposing Question 1". Bangor Daily News.com. September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  28. Sarnacki, Aislinn (June 26, 2013). "Ted Nugent speaks out against bear referendum". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  29. "No on Question 1: The facts are on the side of baiting". Bangor Daily News. October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  30. "OUR OPINION: Vote no on Question 1". Kennebec Journal. October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 19, 2014.