PORTLAND, Maine — Maine’s Republican nominee for governor, Bobby Charles, stated during an event on August 20 that he would request U.S. Marshals and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to be present at polling places for the upcoming midterm elections. This information was reported by the Bangor Daily News and confirmed by audio obtained by the Associated Press.
At the event in Arundel, Charles mentioned his connection to Tom Homan, a top Department of Homeland Security official, saying, "I’m going to ask Tom, I’m going to actually — three or four weeks before the election, maybe three — I’m going to make an appeal for ICE and Marshals to be at our voting booths."
He later clarified that his intention was to ensure communication between state and local election authorities and federal officials to prevent violence, intimidation, and illegal voting at polling places. Charles emphasized that only those legally entitled to vote should be allowed to do so.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about election security, particularly as former President Donald Trump has raised concerns about potential voter fraud, specifically by noncitizens. However, voting by noncitizens is rare and considered a felony, with deportation as a possible consequence.
The Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed any plans to send ICE agents to polling places, and a spokesperson stated that elections are meant for American citizens to choose their leaders. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, reiterated that ICE agents are prohibited by law from being present at polling locations.
The Maine Democratic Party criticized Charles' proposal, labeling it as potentially illegal and politically motivated, especially in light of recent events involving ICE. They expressed concerns about the implications of having federal agents near polling places, which could intimidate voters.
Charles, an attorney and former U.S. assistant secretary of state under President George W. Bush, is set to face Democrat Hannah Pingree in the gubernatorial election in November.