News

Maine Secretary of State pushes back on lawsuit challenging transgender referendum

Maine Secretary of State pushes back on lawsuit challenging transgender referendum

Maine Secretery of State Shenna Bellows speaks at a news conference at the Maine State House in Augusta on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Whittle) Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio, Associated Press


Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says a transgender athlete referendum should appear on the ballot despite a lawsuit claiming many signatures in support of it were invalidated.

The referendum asks voters if they approve of a requirement for Maine students to play on sports teams and use bathrooms and locker rooms in accordance with the sex listed on their birth certificate.

The suit filed by three Mainers claims that the referendum did not gather the required number of signatures.

In a brief filed Friday, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Bolton, who’s representing Bellows, said some signatures were found to be not valid, but not enough to justify pulling the question from the ballot in November.

Bolton acknowledged that other issues brought by the suit may deserve further scrutiny, but the court should only take them up if they make a difference in the outcome of the case.

Latest Headlines

2 minutes ago in National, Trending

Wildfires across Georgia and Florida have destroyed nearly 50 homes and are forcing evacuations

Fresh

Wildfires burning across the southeastern U.S. forced more people to flee Wednesday after destroying nearly 50 homes in Georgia and causing some schools closings as drought and winds fueled flames.

2 hours ago in Local

Lewiston apartment building hit by gunfire in overnight shooting

Fresh

Three men accused of firing shots that struck an apartment building in Lewiston overnight Wednesday morning are facing charges.

2 hours ago in Local

Maine Secretary of State pushes back on lawsuit challenging transgender referendum

Fresh

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says a transgender athlete referendum should appear on the ballot despite a lawsuit claiming many signatures in support of it were invalidated.

20 hours ago in Local

Lewiston Firefighters Credit Quick Response in Saving Home

No injuries were reported.

21 hours ago in Local

Two Teens Arrested in Crime Spree Across Numerous Maine Towns

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed.