Maine Democrats Are About to Lock Independents Out of the Process—Again

AUGUSTA, Maine—Graham Platner announced Wednesday that he is dropping out of the US Senate race in Maine amidst new sexual assault allegations and mounting pressure for him to withdraw.

He made the announcement via an 11-minute video shared on his socials:

Platner recognized all that he would lose if he didn’t drop out: his endorsements, his ability to fundraise, access to voter data, and more. There was no avenue for him to continue. And now the question is, how will his replacement be chosen?

Well, it won’t be the same democratic process that got Platner the nomination.

Maine now has semi-open primaries, which became law in 2022. Independent voters had an opportunity to choose a party ballot during the June 9 primary, and the state saw record turnout—up 49% from the last comparable primary.

Turnout in the Democratic primary, specifically, increased by 70%.

Independent voters took part in these elections. Some of them voted for Platner. Some of them voted for other candidates. But they had a say in taxpayer-funded elections they didn’t have prior to 2022.

However, the Maine Democratic Party has made it clear that they won’t be a part of the decision to replace Platner.

The party announced a few hours before Platner released his video that it was going to hold a nomination convention. It did not give the full details, but reports indicate that it will be a convention of up to 600 delegates.

About 500 of these delegates will be chosen by county committees, which reportedly will happen this weekend.

Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson released a video statement promising an open, inclusive, and transparent process. The party has—for the most part—held up the transparency part.

But if the process were to be open and inclusive, why not invite independent voters to participate?

The most recent voter registration data posted by Maine’s secretary of state is dated March 7. It shows 282,314 “unenrolled” voters—as in unenrolled with a party. This is 31.5% of the active registered electorate.

These are the voters who will decide whether US Sen. Susan Collins stays in office or if Democrats flip the seat. In order to win a statewide election, candidates in Maine need the support of independents.

Yet, state law still gives the Democratic and Republican Parties an avenue to not only ignore the results of the primary—but take away an independent voter’s right to a meaningful vote in state elections.

Many potential replacements for Platner have already thrown out their names for consideration. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson was among the first to file. There is also Nirav Shah, who, like Jackson, ran for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Kalshi Has a New Candidate in Striking Distance of Susan Collins as Odds Point to Platner Exit

Prediction markets are already pricing in a post-Platner race—and the name that is closing the gap with Collins before any announcement has been made may help the party avoid a full Joe Biden situation.

Independent Voter NewsShawn Griffiths

As did Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who says she is “the best person to beat Susan Collins.” All three of these candidates were on the statewide ballot in June and garnered the support from some of the same Mainers who voted for Platner.

These contenders also received support from at least some independent voters. It would benefit the party to know which one has the most appeal outside the party, even though that is not the priority of Democratic leaders.

The statement put out by Murphy-Anderson did not mention picking someone who best represents Maine voters. She talked specifically about “Democrats having confidence” in the process and beating Collins.

She promised an open and inclusive process, but based on the information that has been reported about the party’s plans—it is going to lack both.

The party will only have a two-week window to decide Platner's replacement, but that doesn’t mean they have to shut out Maine voters. Especially, the independent voters who will determine the fate of whomever they choose.