Anti-vaccine activists co-opt a populist slogan to try to repeal an immunization law

A state-wide initiative known as Question 1 in Maine is asking voters to decide whether to repeal an immunization law that requires all schoolchildren to be vaccinated with the necessary shots, unless granted an exemption from a doctor. The messaging from those in favor of repeal is "Reject Big Pharma," but the group pushing for repeal is a large network of anti-vaccination groups. This approach may persuade many Mainers to join what they may see as a populist attempt to reign in large drug corporations instead of an attempt to put personal vaccine exemptions back on the map. If the group is successful, it would be the first time that a vaccine mandate is repealed by popular vote, possibly jeopardizing other states' requirements.