Traditionally, lawmakers sit with members of their own party on a designated side of the aisle in the chamber. This practice only reinforces the idea that Republicans and Democrats are warring tribes locked in a winner-take-all battle. This year, however, the Maine Senate will have a bipartisan seating arrangement.

Sign this petition to ask House Speaker Sara Gideon to make the seating chart bipartisan in the Maine House, too.

Relationships based on mutual respect and trust are critical to finding common ground, forging consensus, and solving problems. Bipartisan seating can help to encourage relationship-building across the aisle and bridge the partisan divide.