
By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“We will monitor the monitors very carefully to ensure that they don’t cross any lines.” - Shenna Bellows, on news that the federal government is sending election monitors to polls in Portland and Lewiston.

Maine’s 2026 November ballot lists the candidates for the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Matt Dunlap and Republican Paul LePage, along with space for a write-in candidate. (Photo by Kaitlyn Budion/Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Kaitlyn Budion
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District was always expected to be a competitive and closely watched race this November. But when Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jared Golden announced he wasn’t seeking reelection, it left the district in even more of a state of flux.
ELECTION 2026
By Lauren McCauley
The U.S. Department of Justice is sending election monitors to polls in Portland and Lewiston to oversee the Nov. 3 elections, the Maine Secretary of State’s office confirmed.
HEALTH CARE
By Shalina Chatlani, Stateline
The percentage of working-age adults without health insurance has increased in the past two years, largely because many people can no longer afford Obamacare coverage after Congress allowed federal subsidies to expire at the end of last year.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Why the new progressive Democrats in Congress might unite with the old Dems, for now | Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom
E-bikes now rival motorcycles for speed. State and city laws haven’t caught up. | Anna Claire Vollers, Stateline
Most US House races aren’t competitive. What does that mean for how lawmakers govern?| Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom
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