Concerns Raised Over Early Voting Practices in Lewiston, Maine

A recent video from early voting in Lewiston, Maine, has come to light, indicating potential violations of state election laws. The footage appears to show individuals assisting Somali voters in a manner that raises questions about the legality of their actions.

Surveillance images capture numerous voters, many dressed in traditional Muslim attire, receiving help from aides to navigate the voting process. Lewiston, which has seen a significant influx of Somali migrants since 2002, is at the center of this controversy.

This footage, obtained through the state’s Freedom of Access Act, highlights the activities of a left-leaning non-profit organization claiming to provide translators for Somali voters. While these concerns were initially reported earlier this week, additional evidence has since emerged.

In one clip, a woman in traditional attire is seen conversing in English with a poll worker yet requires a translator’s assistance to cast her vote. Alarmingly, the “translator” can be seen handling the woman’s ballot, which is against Maine election laws.

Another compilation of videos shows various encounters between voters and “translators,” who allegedly assist with filling out ballots and managing the voting process.

U.S. Attorney for Maine, Andrew Benson, informed a local reporter that they are thoroughly reviewing all evidence linked to allegations of voter intimidation and election interference, including the videos from Lewiston. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of elections and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Attorney General’s office and the Secretary of State’s office.

Many of the videos suggest that “translators” may indeed be contravening election laws.

Maine law permits voters to request translators, but there are strict guidelines that limit what these aides can do. Translators cannot offer unsolicited assistance, influence voters’ decisions, or mark ballots themselves. They are also prohibited from approaching voters once they are in the booth.

In a related incident from Maine polling stations, a Democrat State Representative, Scott Harriman, was observed conducting a political demonstration within an early voting location, which constitutes another breach of state election laws.

This demonstration, reportedly organized by the left-leaning Maine People’s Alliance, took place just outside the voting room, in violation of Maine’s law against any election-related activities within 250 feet of polling places. Harriman held this rally only feet away from voting machines, directly impacting those entering and exiting to cast their votes.