Let’s do political campaigning the Irish way | Letter

Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson.

Regarding the Oct. 18 report “It’s not your imagination — you’re being bombarded with political ads this election,” I have an idea for Maine elections gleaned from my years of teaching in Ireland.

Paid political advertising is generally not permitted on broadcast media in Ireland. Thirty days before the election, candidates and parties may put up print ads, billboards, posters and signs. By seven days after the vote, all signs must be removed (or face on-the-spot fines of €250 for each sign).

If it’s possible for Maine to impose such a system, we would have our family time free of these ugly and demeaning ads for most of the year, and politicos would have a generous window to focus their arguments carefully on the issues, not on their opponents’ character.

Robert Smart
Saco

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Tagged: election 2026, letter to the editor