A controversial video has emerged from a Lewiston city council meeting, capturing a moment where a Somali translator appeared to instruct a resident on what to say in support of a Democratic candidate. The footage, which quickly went viral, has ignited fierce debate about electoral integrity and prompted allegations of improper conduct during the endorsement process.
Video Reveals Apparent Prompting During Endorsement
The incident occurred during a council meeting on Tuesday, where numerous residents gathered to voice their support for various candidates. The video, posted and translated by the Maine Wire, shows Somali resident Habiba Salada approaching the stand and whispering to the translator, "I don't know what to say." She repeated her plea, asking, "What should I say? Please tell me."
In response, the translator told her to "Say her name," before repeating this instruction to the council. When Salada whispered, "What is this group?" the translator asked where she lived, to which Salada responded Lewiston, Ward 5. The translator then spoke into the microphone, stating, "I live in Ward 5," rather than directly translating Salada's words.
Confusion Over Candidate's Identity
The situation grew more perplexing when Salada, seemingly confused, asked for the name of the man she was supposed to be supporting. She begged, "I don't really remember, please help me. I can't remember. Tell me, please." At this point, the translator was heard chuckling smugly before speaking English into the microphone and mistranslating, "I am supporting, I forgot how to pronounce his name."
Salada then clarified, "I don't remember his name, but the white man who is the candidate." The translator altered her words again, telling the council, "The white lawyer." This exchange prompted laughter from the crowd, forcing council members to intervene and call for order, with one declaring, "No for real, please be quiet, thank you."
Candidate Profile and Campaign Issues
The candidate at the centre of this controversy is Kiernan Majerus-Collins, an immigration lawyer and anti-ICE activist running for the Ward 5 council seat. A former judicial law clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Majerus-Collins campaigned on a platform focused on lowering the cost of living, defending immigrant rights, and fighting for Lewiston's interests.
His campaign circulated around key issues including affordable housing, climate change, and artificial intelligence concerns. Approximately half of the meeting attendees advocated for Majerus-Collins, while the remainder supported Eryn Soule-Leclair, a previous representative of the fifth ward known for her supportive stance toward ICE officials.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reaction
The video sparked immediate and widespread outrage on social media platforms, with viewers expressing disbelief and condemnation. One commenter wrote, "I can hardly believe this is real," while another added, "They laugh as if it's a joke....pathetic." A third user suggested, "Definitely some corruption going on there. Let's go to DOJ," highlighting the serious nature of the allegations.
Council's Decision and Outcome
Despite the heated endorsements and public displays of support, the Lewiston City Council made a decisive move in a late Tuesday vote. Council members rejected both Majerus-Collins and Soule-Leclair, choosing instead to ignore all endorsements and appoint youth worker Chrissy Noble to fill the vacant seat. This outcome has added another layer to the ongoing discussion about transparency and fairness in local electoral processes.
The incident raises significant questions about translation integrity in public forums and the potential for undue influence during election proceedings. As investigations and discussions continue, the Lewiston community remains divided over the implications of this controversial meeting and what it means for future democratic processes in the city.
