A federal judge will hear arguments Wednesday in Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin’s case challenging the legality of Maine’s ranked-choice voting law.
Poliquin’s attorneys have made several claims against the voting overhaul that voters approved two years ago, and have asked U.S. District Court Judge Lance Walker to invalidate the runoff that tipped the 2nd District race to Democrat Jared Golden.
Walker signaled last month that the lawsuit faces long odds, questioning several claims by Poliquin’s attorneys and refusing to halt the runoff. But Poliquin and his attorneys have indicated that the challenge could continue well after Walker makes his ruling, meaning the case could have ramifications for ranked-choice voting advocates attempting to implement the system in other states.
Poliquin has also requested a recount, suggesting that ranked-choice voting caused chaos at the polls and that the tabulation was conducted by artificial intelligence — a claim challenged by individuals who have been able to independently replicate the results.
Originally published Dec. 4, 2018 at 3:41 p.m. ET.
