In this special episode, we cover question number one on the Maine referendum ballot. We sit down with two community leaders who share the importance of accessible voting and discuss ways we can advocate for voters living with disabilities. Our guests share insight into question one and how it would affect accessible voting if it were to pass. We also hear from a Mainer who speaks about his experiences with voting and the importance of absentee options as someone with a disability.

Important Voting Information: Maine Referendum Election: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 Absentee ballots can be requested NOW.

Deadline for absentee voting: The deadline to request an absentee ballot or vote in the presence of the clerk is 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th

Interviews Recorded: September 2025

LINKS/RESOURCES

Disability Rights Maine

Protecting the Disability Vote

Voting Rights Hotline: 1-800-452-1948

Save Maine Absentee Voting

Absentee Ballot Request
The 2025 Maine Referendum Election Questions

Find where to cast your ballot in Maine

Noah Carver's Op Ed on Question One

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

TW: self-harm; institutionalization; suicidal ideation; suicide attempt; abuse; substance use

In the third episode of our conversation on art and recovery, Our Voice of Maine welcomes peer artists Bob Bergeron, Ant, and Hope Becker. Each shares their unique mental health journey and how art has supported their healing and connection to others. These chats highlight the transformative role creativity plays in surviving, expressing, and thriving.

Interview Recorded: July 2025

LINKS/RESOURCES

The Pirate Ship- Bob Bergeron Comics
The Pirate Ship Facebook Page

Maine Arts Academy

Artists’ Rapid Response Team

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

TW: suicide/self harm

In our second of three episodes surrounding the world of art and mental health, we sit down with several peers at the Shalom House Art Program in Portland.

Tenney Swift, John Russell, Kristin, Daniell Moores, and Frank (order of story) each share their experiences with mental health and how art has been an impactful tool for recovery.

Each of the artists is involved with the community of the Shalom House Art Program in Portland, and they discuss the importance of community and collaboration.

We hope you enjoy hearing their stories about the way that art and creativity have aided their ability to express themselves and guided their journeys.

Interview Recorded: July 25, 2025

LINKS/RESOURCES

Shalom House

Shalom House Art Program Facebook

Shalom House Instagram

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.