PORTLAND – The Maine Supreme Court today issued a procedural order (attached) that establishes a schedule for briefings on the matter of ranked-choice voting.
The justices have invited representatives from the Maine Senate, House of Representatives, Governor Paul LePage, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General and other interested parties to file briefs addressing two questions: whether a solemn occasion exists for the Supreme Court to address the matter of ranked-choice voting and whether ranked-choice voting is allowed under the Maine Constitution.
Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said, “I would like to thank the justices for their prompt response in acknowledging the Senate’s request to look into this matter. Lawmakers desperately need guidance from the court as we move forward crafting public policy in order to prevent uncertainty in the outcome of our future elections.”
The Law Court has established Friday, March 3, 2017, 4 p.m. as the deadline for submitting briefs.
Oral arguments before the Supreme Court are scheduled for April 13, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at the Cumberland County Courthouse.