Some Mainers say opponents of vaccine law misled them in petition effort

[jpak]

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/09/23/some-mainers-say-opponents-of-vaccine-law-misled-them-in-petition-effort/

Some Maine voters are saying they were duped into signing a petition that could lead to a statewide vote in March aimed at repealing a new law that eliminates religious and philosophical exemptions for childhood vaccines.

In emails to the Portland Press Herald and in posts on social media sites, voters are saying they were misled or even lied to by those circulating the petition for a statewide vote on the matter.

Other voters are writing Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, asking him to remove their signatures from the petition. Dunlap’s office provided copies of the emails to the Press Herald, with the senders’ addresses and contact information redacted.

“I was misled by the signature gatherer about what I was signing,” Scarborough voter Jamie Brennan wrote. “I am a strong supporter of the law to mandate vaccinations for kids with only medical exceptions. I was told that the referendum would further strengthen our vaccination laws, not veto the law. Granted I should have read what I was signing, but being in a hurry I took the signature gatherer’s word for it.”

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anti-vaxxers suck

yup

[sharp_stick]

1. I cut off 2 relatives

on facebook because of their idiotic anti-vaxx ways. Well one of them has turned into a pretty virulent racist in his old age and that didn't play too well either.

[Midnightwalk]

2. Yes anti-vaxxers suck

So do petitions. They very often contain language that is misleading. I refuse to sign petitions on the spot. If it sounds like I might agree I try to remember to read up on it online and only then may sign.

[JI7]

3. they are a disgusting bunch

[KT2000]

4. business as usual

petitions and ballot measures require one to proceed with caution.
Those heavily invested in the topic don't always tell the truth, or shade things in a more favorable light.
Those who are paid by the signature don't always tell the truth, or shade things in a more favorable light.
No one takes the time to read the actual bill.