Few need a reminder that this past election cycle strained, if not broke, the public’s trust in our election system. The degree to which election issues are still discussed today, over three months since Election Day, is indicative of just how fraught our system has become. But to be clear, conversations about the future of our democratic process are critical. They will shape the future of our country – and they must focus on bold reforms. 

Mainers are proud voters who take our elections seriously, evident in the successful passage of ranked choice voting in 2016, our rejection of the cookie-cutter two-party system, and of course the hard-working nature of communities across our state. This pride must extend to both a recognition that the current electoral process is deeply flawed and an embrace of reforms by our political leadership that will restore the electoral power back to the people. 

First on the list, of course, should be “dark money.” Political groups who are not required to disclose their donors spent millions in Maine this last cycle. While ultimately unsuccessful at unseating Senator Collins, the secrecy with which millions of dollars in advertisements was spent this past year should concern every voter – even Democrats and others who may have supported the message of these shadowy groups. 

Money spent from the dark has no place in Maine, or anywhere for that matter. Particularly not money that is funneled into our elections from overseas, yet another issue that must be addressed through reform. Under our current system, foreign entities can exert influence and spend unlimited amounts of money in attempts to shape policy. Closing these loopholes is key. 

Ending secret influence on our campaigns is a critical first step. But the lessons learned during this pandemic election go beyond that. The voting processes we adopted – namely, mail-in voting – ensured that Mainers from every corner of the state could more easily contribute to the electoral process. Improving ballot access for vulnerable voters, including disabled veterans, seniors, and rural residents, is not only good policy, but good politics. These are key constituencies that all statewide elected officials in Maine, including Senator Collins, have rightfully made considerable efforts to win over through their work in office. 

The list could go on. Partisan gerrymandering, which has long allowed both parties to put their thumbs on the scale of our democracy, continues to widen the partisan divide. And the revolving door of lobbyists coming from Congress and the administration is a real concern. But amongst so much fog and confusion surrounding our electoral system, one thing is clear: the system is broken. 

Tackling these challenges will require bold action, and a concerted effort to work across the aisle to reach agreements on what is best for the future of our democracy. That is exactly what we should hope for from Senator Collins, who will be presented with considerable opportunities to serve as a leader on these issues in the months ahead as a push for the “For the People Act” – which directly addresses each of the concerns raised above – is considered. 

Mainers have always held our elected officials to the highest standard. After all, they have been chosen by the people for the job of protecting our best interests. As opportunities arise over the coming months for Senator Collins to demonstrate that high standard of “Dirigo” leadership that has defined her career to date, we expect that she will seize them. This includes coming to the table on core issues like voting and campaign finance reform.  

Owen Casas lives in Rockport