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RNC Asks DOJ To Investigate Maine's Trump-Hating Election Chief

Updated: 9/18/2025

What it is

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has formally requested the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. This request follows a video in which Bellows acknowledged the presence of noncitizens on the state's voter rolls.

Why it matters

  • This request follows a video in which Bellows acknowledged the presence of noncitizens on the state's voter rolls
  • The complaint claims that Bellows has not complied with requests for public records related to Maine's voter list maintenance system
  • Bellows, a Democrat, previously attempted to remove then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump from Maine's 2024 GOP primary ballot
  • The complaint states that she has ignored requests from both the RNC and the DOJ for comprehensive records regarding voter list maintenance
  • The RNC's complaint highlights that Bellows has only provided limited information, such as policies and procedures, while refusing to disclose whether she will release more detailed records
  • Mandy Lester, chief counsel for the RNC, expressed concerns that Maine is not maintaining its voter list adequately

Key facts

  • The Republican National Committee RNC has formally requested the U.S
  • Department of Justice DOJ to investigate Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
  • This request follows a video in which Bellows acknowledged the presence of noncitizens on the state's voter rolls

Timeline & recent coverage

  • See related posts on our site; this explainer updates when new reporting appears
  • For deeper background, explore the sources below

Primary sources

Further reading & references

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