Maine Policy Matters Interviews Shenna Bellows on Voting Integrity

On October 29th, The Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine launched a timely new episode of Maine Policy Matters, featuring an insightful interview with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. In S6E2 Behind the Ballot: Voting Integrity in Maine with Shenna Bellows, Secretary Bellows delves into the complexities of voting integrity in Maine, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the safeguards in place to ensure secure and accurate elections.

The episode explores the extensive systems Maine employs to protect the democratic process. Secretary Bellows provides an in-depth look at how the state ensures every vote is counted accurately, discussing the critical roles played by officials, volunteers, and election workers at both local and state levels. These dedicated teams work together to implement a secure, transparent election process that fosters trust in the system. Maine is notably #1 in the nation in voter turnout rate due to our state’s policy of same-day voter registration, underscoring the importance of removing obstacles for people to get to the polls. The conversation highlights how rigorous planning, careful oversight, and collaborative efforts are essential to maintaining voter confidence and protecting the integrity of each election in Maine.