Caffeinated Politics

It felt really good on Election Night to see determined voters and concerned citizens take a stand. In state after state, contest after contest, there was a clear message being sent that no one could miss. Concerns about our democracy as evidenced by Pennsylvania ballots piling up to secure the underpinning of their Supreme Court. Great unease about economic factors in Virginia and New Jersey led to messages being sent with gubernatorial votes. The cost of housing, need for local grocery stores, and better access to transportation moved New York City voters to cast ballots in numbers not seen since the 1960s. And in Maine, a referendum passed that did not make national headlines but was very important for the well-being of its state residents.

I place the actions of Maine’s voters near the top of the most consequential outcomes from Tuesday night as they approved a red flag law that strengthens public safety, and shows the nation another example of responsible gun policy. By passing this measure, Mainers not only protected their own communities but demonstrated common-sense gun laws can coexist with a strong hunting culture and respect for the Second Amendment.

My husband grew up in Maine, so we were watching for the outcome of Question 2 on the statewide ballot. The final result of 62% supporting was evidence that this was not some abstract debate for policy wonks, but a direct response to a painful reality. There are far too many gun shootings with deaths and injuries that follow.

Red flag laws are one of those common-sense measures, as they are designed to prevent gun tragedies before they happen. They are important for three reasons, which were stressed in the recent months leading up to the election. First, they aid in the prevention of suicides and mass shootings, as studies show that states with red flag laws have successfully intervened in cases where individuals threatened violence, preventing potential shootings and reducing firearm suicides. Second, these laws empower families and communities with a legal avenue to act when they see a loved one in crisis, rather than waiting until it’s too late. The third reason that was talked about in Maine is that knowing that dangerous behavior can trigger a court order can, at times, stem reckless threats and create accountability before violence escalates.

I was very curious how this measure would fare in Maine, where there is a deep hunting and gun-owning tradition. What resulted was a public display of civic responsibility. For the nation, it proved that there was a concerted willingness to prioritize community safety over partisan talking points. This was not a rejection of Maine’s heritage but an affirmation that responsible gun ownership includes safeguards against misuse. The actions this week build on the state’s yellow flag law, which allows police officers to initiate a process to keep someone away from firearms. Now, Maine is aligned with more than 20 states that have a red flag law, which empowers family members to take the same step.

Citizens in Maine came together to take action following the horrific slaughter of 18 people when an Army reservist opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston in October 2023. Serious and searching conversations started about what balance needed to be struck between rights and responsibilities. The vote shows that even in rural, gun-friendly regions, Americans are ready to embrace policies that save lives. It sends a message to other states: this is not about politics, but about protecting neighbors, families, and children.

Wisconsin should take note of the sound judgment of Maine voters. Wisconsin does not have a “red flag” law, though legislation to enact one has been correctly introduced in the state legislature multiple times by Democrats and Governor Tony Evers, Sadly, but not surprisingly, these sensible proposals have consistently been blocked by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Guns simply need to be controlled in ways that impact the lives of people and the health and well-being of communities. I applaud and greatly approve how Maine voters pushed aside the typical fearmongering from the NRA and gun manufacturers and chose a policy rooted in compassion, pragmatism, and reason. And as was noted at our home, the voters honored the memories of those lost in Lewiston and ensured that future warnings will not be ignored.