Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Court Rejects 12K Signatures, Maine Trans Sports Initiative Misses Ballot

5/27/2026

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A court-ordered review invalidated over 12,000 signatures, preventing the transgender-sports initiative from qualifying for Maine’s November ballot.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows reported the petition validated 67,150 signatures, rejected 12,542, and fell about 500 short of the 67,682 needed.
Supporters, including donor Richard Uihlein who gave $800,000, will seek new signatures, while the Maine GOP claims Bellows abused her power.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 Maine voters rejected a same-sex marriage ban by 56% to 44%, a pattern repeated when a 2009 marriage law was repealed and a 2012 initiative legalized marriage. Today Secretary of State Shenna Bellows struck 12,542 signatures from a transgender-sports petition, leaving it 500 short of the 67,682 required, while donor Richard Uihlein has pledged $800,000, showing the state’s continued ballot-driven battles.

1 of 2

Story summary

A court-ordered review invalidated over 12,000 signatures, preventing the transgender-sports initiative from qualifying for Maine’s November ballot.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows reported the petition validated 67,150 signatures, rejected 12,542, and fell about 500 short of the 67,682 needed.
Supporters, including donor Richard Uihlein who gave $800,000, will seek new signatures, while the Maine GOP claims Bellows abused her power.

1 / 2