Maine Candidate Seeks ICE at Polling Places, Stoking Legal and Political Backlash

Maine GOP gubernatorial contender Bobby Charles said he plans to ask White House ICE chief Tom Homan to send agents to Maine polling stations weeks before the election, sparking concerns about voter intimidation and legality. The idea follows debates over noncitizen voting and comes after a high-profile ICE shooting in Biddeford that fueled protests. Officials, including Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, say federal agents at the polls would be illegal, and the administration has indicated there will be no ICE presence at polling locations for this election. Democrats criticized the plan; Charles’ opponent Betsy Pingree (sic) or Pingree responds by calling it improper, while Charles’ campaign insists he would pursue any legal means to prevent illegal voting. The race is viewed as favorable to Democrats, with Charles considered an underdog in a race rated solid D by Cook Political Report.