Super PACs, or independent expenditure-only committees, are a type ofpolitical action committee that are allowed to raise and spend unlimited sums of money to promote or oppose a political candidate. Unlike normal political action committees, they are not allowed to contribute directly to the campaign of a candidate or their party.[1]
In August 2023, citizens of Maine organized a ballot question committee, Maine Citizens to End SuperPACs, to gather enough signatures as required by the Maine Constitution to get the initiative on the ballots.[2] In October 2023, Citizens to End SuperPACs was registered as a political action committee to support the passage of the referendum.[3]
The initiative is worded to focus on limiting individual contributions to Super PACs, rather than limiting the spending of Super PACs on campaigns. This is an area the Supreme Court hasn't ruled on.[4]
The initiative passed on November 5, 2024, during the2024 United States elections. 74.9% of voters voted for the amendment, while 25.1% did not.[7] The initiative carried every municipality in the state except for two:Dennistown Plantatio where Yes and No tied, andDeblois, where No defeated Yes by two votes.
The initiative was expected to be legally challenged, though it is still possible that a challenge may be used to challengeCitizens United v. FEC.[8] As of October 2025, no party has challenged the passage of the referendum.
County results
Municipality results
Yes
Elections and referendums in Maine
