Mainers across the state have voiced their support for Question 6, a constitutional amendment that would require the state to print the full text of the Maine State Constitution, including a section about Maine’s original treaty obligations to the Wabanaki Nations that has been missing from printed versions for more than 100 years. Below is a sampling of editorials, guest op-eds, and letters to the editor from people across the state who support this constitutional amendment.
Editorials and Guest Op-Eds
Our View: Vote ‘yes’ on ballot questions 5, 6, 7 and 8
Portland Press Herald Editorial Board
November 3, 2023
Supporters of Question 6 believe that the restoration of the sections to the printed document goes some way toward honoring the legacy of negotiation by the tribes, making it more clear to the public that this is an important part of Maine’s collective history. We agree with them.
Rep. Allison Hepler: Question 6 offers history lesson for us all
Times Record guest column
November 2, 2023
Symbolic or not, including this language in printed copies of the Maine Constitution may be a good faith effort by the State to pronounce publicly, in its foundational document, that it had — and continues to have — an obligation to Maine’s foundational people.” — Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, represents District 49
Maine Voices: Honor Maine’s tribes, vote ‘yes’ on ballot Question 6
Portland Press Herald Maine Voices
October 27, 2023
I have hope that one day that the State of Maine will honor the inherent sovereignty of the Wabanaki. It is time to shed the hypocrisy accrued from perpetuating the mythos of colonists, and understand for Maine to heal its soul, subjugation has no part. Maine voters can start the process by voting “yes” on Question 6 and becoming involved with the Wabanaki Alliance. — Jason Grundstrom-Whitney, Monmouth
Vote yes on Question 6 to build better understanding with tribes
Bangor Daily News Editorial Board
October 18, 2023
Tribal voices are telling us how this omission affects their communities and their relationship with the state. We need to listen to them now, rather than getting caught up in what people might have been thinking in the past. Regardless of past intent, it is clear now that it was a mistake that should be rectified. That’s why Question 6 deserves overwhelming support from Mainers.
Guest Op-Ed: Voting yes on Question 6 would restore the soul of Maine
Bangor Daily News
October 18, 2023
“Maine, in leaving out a significant section of history of the state by eliminating treaties and obligations from its constitution, nullifies truth and transparency regarding the Wabanaki people. The splinter of untruth is surfacing. We now can let the light of truth back into the Maine Constitution in perpetuity. Please vote yes on 6.” — Jason Grundstrom-Whitney, Monmouth
Letters to the Editor
Letter: Don’t be scared; Vote yes on questions 3, 6
Kennebec Journal
November 3, 2023
“Let’s join every other state in the Union and print the entire document that governs us. I urge you to vote yes on Question 6.” — Karen Heck, Waterville
Letter: Care about transparency? Vote ‘yes’ on Question 6.
Portland Press Herald
November 3, 2023
“To honor Maine’s shared history with the Wabanaki and ensure that people understand the commitments and obligations governments made to the Wabanaki Tribes and people, please vote “Yes” on Question 6.” — Wayne Cobb, Portland
Letter: Vote yes on Question 6
Bangor Daily News
November 1, 2023
“As we review and work to improve the relationship between the state and the Wabanaki nations, it is especially important that this history is accurate and transparent. ” — Mary Beth DiMarco, Houlton
Letter: Question 6 gives Maine a chance to stand over its values
Portland Press Herald
November 1, 2023
“If the omission was an effort to “clean up” an obsolete section, we should now recognize that the state’s obligations to tribal nations deserve equal standing with the rest of the constitution. No matter what they believe about why these sections aren’t printed, I hope my fellow Mainers will join me in voting “Yes” to restore these sections to print on Nov. 7.” — Jeff Bates, Yarmouth
*This letter also appeared in the Bangor Daily News
Letter: A vote for unity
The Republican Journal
October 26, 2023
“…your ‘Yes’ vote sends a clear message about clarity, honesty and unity with the tribes of the Wabanaki Nation here in Maine. We agreed to honor our commitments to them. We should be proud of that commitment. We should be proud of having their legacy and environmental care as part of our history. We should be proud to stand together with them and publicly announce this in writing. Let’s stand together and vote ‘Yes on 6.’” — Michael Schaab, Monroe
Letter: Question 6 will restore Maine’s promise to Wabanaki people
Portland Forecaster
October 23, 2023
“Please vote ‘yes’ on Question 6 to ensure that people understand the history, commitments and obligations governments made to the Wabanaki tribes and people are essential for a healthy relationship between the Wabanaki and the state of Maine.” — Wayne Cobb, Portland
Letter: Maine social workers stand up for Questions 6 and 8
Portland Press Herald*
October 16, 2023
“The National Association of Social Workers, Maine chapter fully supports Questions 6 as we stand up, for and with the Wabanaki tribes of Maine… Question 6 restores missing language about treaty obligations, honoring our shared history and the Wabanaki people.” — Julie Schirmer, Board President, National Association of Social Workers, Maine Chapter
* This letter also appeared in the Portland Press Herald on October 13.
Letter: Vote yes on Question 6 to be accurate about history and honor tribes
Bangor Daily News
October 17, 2023
“As people of faith, we believe in honoring the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and printing treaty obligations honors the Wabanaki by being accurate about our true history and making explicit the importance of our relationship. We urge a yes vote on Question 6.” — Standing Up for Racial Equity and Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor
Letter: Vote yes on Question 6 to print Maine Constitution in full
Bangor Daily News
October 11, 2023
“I think the fact that the currently redacted part of our printed Constitution is the section describing the treaty obligations between the tribes and the State of Maine is a further slap in the face to descendants of tribal members who lived in Maine for thousands of years before Europeans took their lands away. It’s critically important for Mainers to know the omitted treaty obligations.” — Emanual Pariser, Waterville
