Bangor Daily News Opposes Ballot Question 4
The Bangor Daily News Editorial Board published an editorial piece in which they urged Mainers to vote NO on ballot question 4. Mainers will be casting votes on this question on November 7.
Proponents of ballot question 4 claim the law would enshrine a vehicle right to repair. After speaking at length with both proponents and opponents of the ballot measure, the editorial board took a stance very similar to ASA's position. ASA and the Bangor Daily News both support the concept of right to repair, however, a statewide referendum is not the right way to address a nuanced and high-stakes issue.
The article highlighted the July right to repair agreement that ASA signed with automakers and SCRS. It noted that "the general spirit" of the agreement is one that safeguards access "in a predictable and workable way for everyone involved," even as "vehicles become more technical and reliant on telematics."
The editorial board concluded, "We support the idea behind an automotive right to repair...But please don't let the format of this referendum question fool you: There is not only one way to safeguard the current ability to seek independent vehicle repair. This is not the right proposal, and it is not being proposed at the right level of government. We recommend a no vote on Question 4."