2020 Maine Question 1

ME-03032020-ref-counties

2020 Maine Question 1 was a referendum held in the state of Maine, United States, on November 3, 2020. This referendum was a people's veto concerning the rejection of a law previously passed by the Maine Legislature that aimed to eliminate religious and philosophical exemptions from vaccination requirements for students to attend schools and colleges, and for employees of healthcare facilities. The law, known as LD 798, was intended to increase vaccination rates in the state and protect public health by reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Background

The issue of vaccination has been a contentious one in the United States, balancing public health concerns against individual rights and beliefs. Maine's LD 798 was part of a broader movement in several states to tighten vaccination requirements in the wake of outbreaks of diseases like measles, which are preventable by vaccination. Prior to the passage of LD 798, Maine had one of the highest rates of nonmedical exemptions for school vaccinations in the country, which was linked to lower vaccination rates and higher rates of preventable diseases.

The Referendum

The referendum, officially titled "Question 1," asked voters whether they wanted to reject the new law that removed religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccinations. A "yes" vote was to repeal LD 798, thereby keeping the exemptions, while a "no" vote was to uphold the law, removing these exemptions.

Campaign

The campaign leading up to the referendum saw active participation from both sides. Proponents of the "no" vote, including public health officials and various medical organizations, argued that the law was necessary to protect public health, particularly vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. They emphasized the importance of herd immunity in preventing outbreaks of diseases.

Opponents of the law, rallying for a "yes" vote, included groups who argued for parental rights and personal freedom, suggesting that the state should not have the authority to mandate medical treatments for children. They also raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

Outcome

The voters of Maine decided against repealing the law, with a majority voting "no" on Question 1. This result meant that the law removing religious and philosophical exemptions to vaccination requirements would stand.

Aftermath

The outcome of the referendum was seen as a victory for public health advocates in Maine and across the country. It signaled strong support for vaccination policies aimed at protecting public health. Following the referendum, Maine joined a handful of other states that do not allow nonmedical exemptions for school vaccination requirements.

See Also

• Vaccination policy in the United States
• Herd immunity
• Measles outbreaks in the 21st century
• Legislation on religious and philosophical exemptions from vaccination