Don’t waste one vote this November | Letter

Letter to the Editor Sparks Debate Over Write‑In Vote in Maine’s November Election

A letter written by Waterville resident Robin Johnson appeared in the local paper on August 23, urging voters in the upcoming November election to avoid a “wasted vote” and to back incumbent Senator Troy Jackson over a write‑in candidate. Johnson’s letter also highlights a little‑known requirement for write‑in candidates in Maine, a rule many voters apparently overlook.

The writer, who signs the letter with “Robin Johnson Waterville,” says she has long supported Graham Platner, a local attorney and former state representative, but cautions that a write‑in bid for Platner will not be counted unless the candidate files a formal declaration of write‑in candidacy at least 70 days before election day. “If you vote for a write‑in candidate who hasn’t filed, that vote won’t count,” Johnson notes. The requirement, she explains, is designed to ensure that write‑in campaigns are organized and legitimate.

Johnson’s main concern, however, is the broader political picture. She writes, “This election is paramount. We must unseat Sen. Susan Collins as a step toward healing the damage done by this presidential administration and, to do so, we must unite behind Troy Jackson.” The letter frames the November vote as a “step toward healing” the perceived wounds inflicted by the current presidential administration, and urges voters to support Jackson, a Republican U.S. Senator known for his conservative stance on Maine’s fiscal and social issues.

The letter also contains a broader critique of contemporary politics: “I was also a Platner fan, but we cannot afford to risk the continuing soaring cost of foreign war, gasoline, groceries and healthcare, or continue suffering the unending assaults on our lands, air and freedoms by casting philosophical votes. The preservation of democracy is a task we must not fail to achieve this November.”

Johnson’s remarks illustrate a frustration that has become common in the state’s political discourse. With the November ballot featuring a range of local, state, and federal races, voters are being asked to consider not only who they will elect, but also how their votes will be counted under Maine law. The state’s write‑in rule, which requires a candidate to file a declaration of intent 70 days before an election, is rarely publicized, but it has serious consequences for anyone who wishes to run as a write‑in.

The debate surrounding the write‑in requirement is not new. In 2022, a similar letter from a different Waterville resident called attention to the same rule, prompting the Maine Secretary of State’s office to release a short video explaining the filing process. “Maine law requires that a write‑in candidate file a declaration 70 days before the election,” the video said. “Without that filing, votes for the candidate will be invalidated.” The letter, however, remains an example of how everyday citizens are engaging with the mechanics of democracy.

While the letter’s author calls for a united front behind Senator Jackson, her critique of the “philosophical votes” reflects a broader concern that votes cast in the name of principle may inadvertently aid a candidate who does not comply with state law. “A vote for an undeclared write‑in candidate—or any other candidate besides Jackson—is a wasted vote,” Johnson says. She stresses that the preservation of democracy hinges on ensuring every ballot is counted correctly.

The upcoming election will feature Senator Susan Collins, a Democrat‑leaning Republican, on the ballot for re‑election, and a host of other state and local contests. The letter’s author’s focus on the write‑in rule underscores the importance of voter education at a time when the political stakes feel high for many Maine residents.

Whether Johnson’s call to rally behind Troy Jackson will influence the outcome remains to be seen. Nonetheless, her letter serves as a reminder that the integrity of a vote depends as much on understanding legal requirements as it does on the candidate’s platform. As Maine heads to the polls, voters will be advised to verify whether any write‑in candidates have met the 70‑day filing deadline before casting their ballots.