I am writing on Question 1 (Maine’s voter ID referendum), which would place new restrictions on the absentee voting relied on by 45% of Mainers and 62% of Maine seniors.
The Aug. 21 article in the Portland Press Herald states “thirty-six states require some form of identification.” “Some form” is not photo ID, yet this misleading statistic is cited in support of Question 1. Ten states require a photo ID to vote. The remaining states accept identification the proposal would disallow. If this bill passes, Maine’s election laws will be among the most restrictive in the country.
Maine has had only two convictions for voter fraud in 42 years, so it’s not clear what problem the bill aims to fix. Impersonating a voter is a felony, a lot of risk to take to cast one phony vote.
Making voting harder for eligible voters is not “strengthening,” it’s suppression. Please vote “No” on Question 1.
John Mills
Newcastle
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