Maine student argues out-of-state students should not vote locally

In an opinion piece, Cleo Rehkopf, a student at Colby College, argues that out-of-state college students residing in Maine should refrain from voting in local elections. Rehkopf suggests that while Maine's Senate election has gained national prominence, the participation of transient students may negatively impact down-ballot local issues.

Rehkopf contends that because students often view their college towns as temporary stops, they will not live to see the long-term consequences of their votes. The author argues that student voting can dilute the influence of permanent residents who must live with the outcomes of local laws and representative elections, citing a 2019 plastic bag referendum in Waterville as an example of how student votes can shift local results.