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Maine GOP governor nominee wants ICE agents at polling places
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Maine Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles stated he would request ICE and U.S. Marshals be present at polling places before the November midterm elections to prevent illegal voting and intimidation.
- Charles' comments align with broader Republican claims, including those by former President Trump, about widespread voter fraud by noncitizens, despite evidence showing such fraud is extremely rare.
- Maine Democratic officials, including Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, condemned Charles' proposal as likely illegal and an attempt to intimidate voters, noting federal law prohibits armed federal agents at polling sites.
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said federal agents would only be at polling places in response to specific threats, dismissing concerns about voter intimidation.
- Charles, a former U.S. assistant secretary of state, won the Republican primary and will face Democrat Hannah Pingree in the November gubernatorial race.
