Independent candidate says she has right to campaign

AUGUSTA, Maine – A woman hoping to be the next Maine governor is suing for the right to campaign at polls during the upcoming primary.

State treasurer Terry Hayes filed the suit earlier this month in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Hayes is seeking an injunction that would allow her campaign to hand out literature and talk to voters at polling stations. The independent argues that she shouldn’t count as a candidate because she’s not on the primary ballot. She will be on November’s general election ballot.

Maine law requires candidates to stand at least 250 feet from the polls in order to create a buffer zone.

State election officials have said Hayes’ campaign’s presence would influence voters.

The secretary of state declined comment.

The primary is June 12.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com