Ballot Question 1, the voter ID initiative, poses a solution to a nonexistent problem. There is virtually no voter fraud in Maine, but this initiative would create election fraud through voter suppression. It seeks to restrict access to absentee voting, limit drop boxes, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, require “certain ID” and “make other (unspecified?) changes” to state elections.

Maine is not only the nation’s most rural state but also has the highest population of seniors. Absentee voting is critical to them, as well as to disabled voters. Further, Maine elections are consistently fraud-free under existing ID requirements.

This is a Republican effort to fuel unfounded fear of voter fraud. Would that they were more concerned about rampant election fraud. Please vote “No” on this ruse.

Linda Skinner
South Portland