Your editorial on Sept. 29 (“Record spending in governor’s race troubling for average voter”) is absolutely correct, outside money is pouring into our state elections. Large donations from a small handful of wealthy sources drown out the voices of everyday voters, which threatens our democracy.

This highlights the importance of strengthening our Clean Elections Act. When voters go to the polls to cast their ballots this November, they are likely to come into contact with volunteers from Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (MCCE) who will be gathering signatures to petition for a referendum in support of the Clean Elections Initiative, which would reduce the influence of money in state elections and make politicians more accountable to their constituents.

This signature campaign is aiming to collect around 70,000 signatures, which would enable the Clean Elections Initiative to be on the ballot in 2015. If passed, it would strengthen the Maine Clean Elections law we’ve had since 1996 and establish clear guidelines for contributions to candidates, with penalties for those who violate them. One of the revisions would require that the three top contributors to a PAC would have to be listed on political ads, so that outside money would become more visible.

I encourage others to volunteer to help gather signatures. For more information visit the MCCE website at www.mainecleanelections.org. Signing the petition will put this decision in the hands of Maine voters, where it belongs.

Andrew A. Cadot

Portland

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