WASHINGTON, D.C. – The scramble to replace Graham Platner as Maine’s Democrat nominee has exposed Secretary of State Shenna Bellows as a radical election official best known for attempting to remove President Trump from Maine’s 2024 ballot, opposing voter ID requirements, dismissing concerns about noncitizen voting, and repeatedly rejecting commonsense election integrity measures.
"Maine
Democrats are gearing up to choose their replacement for accused
rapist Graham Platner, who withdrew from the race following
multiple sexual-assault allegations.
"Four
candidates will take the debate stage Thursday night, including Maine
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who will bring her long
record of opposing election integrity with her.
“'I’m so
excited to launch my campaign for US Senate because flipping the
Senate in November is crucial. I’m running to pass Medicare for all,
fight for workers’ rights, and protect our neighbors,' Bellows wrote on
X.
"The
SAVE America Act is at the forefront of politics in Washington. However,
election integrity and security are also at the forefront for most Americans.
According to a March YouGov
poll, 80% of American voters favor requiring photo ID to vote,
and 66% favor requiring proof of citizenship as well.
“'In some
isolated incidents, some noncitizens may be on the rolls,' Bellows said in
2025, admitting that at least 'some' ineligible voters were registered to vote
in her state.
"While
Maine requires photo ID to register to vote, there is no
proof-of-citizenship requirement or photo ID required at the polls.
In 2023, Bellows testified against a bill that would require voters to produce
photo identification to cast ballots, calling it unnecessary and detrimental to
voter participation.
“'Forcing
people to carry a specific type of photo identification to vote would result in
logistical challenges, financial burdens, and potential discrimination,' Bellows
said.
"Ahead
of the 2024 election, she attempted to
bar President Donald Trump from appearing on Maine’s 2024 ballot. However, the
U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected efforts by states to disqualify
presidential candidates.
“'More
than 80% of Americans support voter ID, yet Shenna Bellows has repeatedly sided
with partisan politics over Maine voters—opposing commonsense election
safeguards and even trying to remove President Trump from the ballot,' Ally
Triolo, election integrity communications director for the Republican National
Committee, told the Daily Signal.
“'Her
record is clear: politics comes first, not the will of Mainers,' she
continued.
"Bellows will join Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, and Jordan Wood on stage in Maine for a 90-minute debate Thursday night. This will be their first public faceoff ahead of the July 25 nomination to replace Platner as the U.S. Senate nominee."
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