This November, Mainers will go to the polls to decide who will lead their cities and whether to institute a red flag law. The question asks Mainers, “Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?” 

Red flag laws are currently in effect in 21 states and DC. Essentially, a red flag law allows law enforcement officials to temporarily take someone’s firearms if they pose a threat to themselves or others. This question makes its way onto the ballot nearly 2 years after Maine’s deadliest mass shooting in Lewiston that killed 18 individuals at a bar and bowling alley, carried out by Robert Card, a Maine National Guard member with a Ruger SFAR.

What exactly is a Red Flag law? 

A red flag law, also known as an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), is a form of gun control that gives law enforcement the ability to temporarily remove a person’s firearms and/or a person’s ability to purchase firearms if they are deemed a threat to themselves or others. This type of law is currently in effect in 21 states, as well as in Washington, D.C. 

What would a yes vote mean? 

A yes vote on question two would mean that you are in favor of the creation of a court order prohibiting a person, who is deemed a threat and in crisis, from temporarily purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm at the request of family members or law enforcement. 

What would a no vote mean?

A no vote on question two would mean that you are not in favor of the creation of a court order prohibiting a person, who is deemed a threat and in crisis, from temporarily purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm at the request of family members or law enforcement. 

When is election day and where do I vote? 

The 2025 election will be held on November 4th, 2025. Polling places in Portland and South Portland open at seven AM and close at eight PM. To find a polling place near you, click here.