Are interpreters filling out ballots for Somali voters in Lewiston, Maine? No.
The rumor is False
“Interpreters at Lewiston City Hall are filling out ballots for Somali voters.”
The fact
Maine law lets a voter who cannot read or mark a ballot ask a person of their choice for help, and that helper may not tell the voter how to vote.
Claims that Lewiston interpreters filled out ballots rest on City Hall security video shared online, and no election official, court or prosecutor has announced a finding that an interpreter marked a ballot against a voter's wishes. Maine's Secretary of State says her office is looking into complaints that voters using interpreters were filmed and harassed at Lewiston's polls, and the city clerk called early voting brisk and problem-free.
What to do
Any Maine voter who needs help can bring a person they choose or ask a poll worker. Photographing or recording voters within 15 feet is not allowed. If you see a problem at the polls, tell the warden or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
How this story developed
- Lewiston City Clerk Kathleen Montejo says early voting has been brisk and problem-free. DOJ monitors are set for Lewiston, Portland and South Portland on Election Day; they may observe but not talk to voters or handle ballots.
- Maine's Secretary of State says her office is reviewing complaints of intrusive filming and harassment of voters using interpreters at Lewiston City Hall. Lewiston posts notices that recording voters within 15 feet is not allowed.