Lewiston election officials issue translator guidance following voting controversy

Election officials in Lewiston, Maine, have released formal guidance regarding the use of translators at polling places. The move follows the circulation of video footage captured by the Maine Wire, which appeared to show Somali-speaking women approaching voters and directing them toward specific selections on ballots inside voting booths.

Under Maine law, voters may request assistance from a translator, but the request must be initiated by the voter. Translators are prohibited from approaching voters to offer help, waiting in voting areas for arrivals, or touching ballots. Furthermore, state regulations mandate that translators read the full slate of ballot choices aloud rather than pointing to or naming individual candidates. Only one translator is permitted to accompany a voter into a booth.

In the reported incident, poll workers requested that one woman leave the site after she stated her intention to remain and continue assisting Somali-speaking voters. Additionally, reports indicated a demonstration organized by the Maine People’s Alliance took place near an early-voting location, raising questions regarding state laws that prohibit electioneering within 250 feet of a polling place.