Election officials in Lewiston, Maine issued guidance on translator rules at polling places after a conservative outlet published video showing Somali-speaking women appearing to direct elderly voters inside voting booths.
The video was recorded by Jon Fetherston of the Maine Wire, who said he observed women in hijabs approaching voters, escorting them to booths, and pointing at specific selections on the ballot. Fetherston’s photos also appeared to show two translators standing with a single elderly voter inside a booth at the same time.
Under Maine law, a voter may request help from a translator, but the voter must initiate the request. Translators are not permitted to approach voters and ask whether they need assistance, nor may they wait inside the voting area for people to arrive. Only one translator is allowed to accompany a voter in the booth.
Translators also may not touch the ballot or make selections on a voter’s behalf. State rules require them to read the full slate of ballot choices aloud rather than simply naming or pointing to individual candidates.
After the video circulated, the Lewiston clerk’s office published a guide explaining the lawful process for requesting translation help. According to the report, poll workers at the site asked one of the women to leave after she said she intended to remain and continue helping Somali-speaking voters fill out ballots.
Separate complaint over demonstration near polling site
The Maine Wire separately reported that Democratic state Rep. Scott Harriman took part in a demonstration inside an early-voting location, organized by the Maine People’s Alliance, that was held just outside the room where voters were casting ballots.
Maine election law prohibits electioneering within 250 feet of a polling place. The report said the demonstration took place near the entrance to the voting room, close to where voters were entering and exiting and within view of voting machines.
It was not immediately clear whether either incident would result in formal complaints or enforcement action.
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