PORTLAND — Former Senate Majority Leader and Special Envoy George Mitchell today endorsed the Yes on 1 campaign’s efforts to restore same-day voter registration in Maine, a release from the campaign stated.

 “The path of history is clear,” Mitchell said in a prepared statement. “Our country has consistently marched forward, making our elections more accessible and open, and encouraging more people to participate. At times, we have moved backward. But as a people, we know that our democracy is stronger when more people participate.”

Same-day voter registration, Mitchell said, has made voting accessible to thousands Maine citizens and is an important part of the reason the state is a national leader in voter participation.

Mitchell, one of Maine’s most well-known politicians, served as U.S. Senate Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995. He is a statesman and diplomat, known for brokering peace agreements in Ireland and most recently serving as the U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.

“I’m happy to offer my support to the Yes on 1 campaign,” Mitchell said, “and I hope you will vote ‘Yes’ on Question 1 on November 8th.”