It is essential under the American system of representative government that the people have faith and confidence in the integrity of the election process and the members of the Legislature. In order to strengthen this faith and confidence that the election process reflects the will of the people and that each Legislator considers and casts that Legislator's vote on the enactment of laws according to the best interests of the public and that Legislator's constituents, there is created an independent commission on governmental ethics and election practices to guard against corruption or undue influencing of the election process and against acts or the appearance of misconduct by Legislators. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §17(COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 1001