[PORTLAND, WASHINGTON] – The League of Women Voters of Maine and the League of Women Voters of the United States issued this statement following the acts of violence and active shooter situation in Lewiston.
The League is heartbroken for our friends and neighbors in the Lewiston area and grieve for their losses. We must stop these tragedies from happening. Something must change, and it’s within our power to do so. For now, we are taking a moment to process and grieve for the Maine families affected by this preventable act of violence.
The League condemns gun violence. Mass shootings have become all too common in America. These latest events rock Maine to its core and signify that common sense gun laws are necessary to prevent further tragedies.
The Maine Legislature will pick up again in January 2024. The League of Women Voters has held the position since 1990 that the proliferation of handguns and semi-automatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens. The League will support legislation written to limit gun violence and better support Mainers in a mental health crisis.
The League of Women Voters of Maine supports common sense gun legislation, like strong background checks, gun safety education, and annual license renewal. Going forward in the next half of the 131st Legislature, we will support the ongoing work around this issue and offer positions on existing and forthcoming legislation. Legislators must work to enact policy changes to protect Mainers.
Mainers are strong and resilient, and we will use our power to protect our communities.
The ongoing lockdown and search may affect voting for Lewiston-area residents. Follow @LWVME and the Maine Secretary of State on Facebook for the latest updates on how to cast your ballot safely during this time.