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I am horrified by the number of people who think that Question 1 on November’s ballot is a “common-sense” and even necessary step to protect legal voting in Maine. On the face of it, it sounds sensible, which is what it was designed to sound like. But when you read the fine print, I think you will see that it is really a voter suppression bill, designed to limit voting by making registration inaccessible to or difficult for large numbers of Maine voters.
The wording of the question includes no mention of protecting Maine voting from fraud. Here is what it does propose to do: Eliminate two days of absentee voting. Prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members. End ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities. Ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes. Limit the number of drop boxes available. Require voters to show certain types of photo ID before voting.
All of the above will make voting more difficult for homebound elderly and disabled citizens, as well as shift workers, military personnel stationed abroad, and others who rely on absentee voting.
It would also make “other changes to our elections?” That last one sure looks like a blank check for future rules changes.
Again, this is not a “common sense” voting “protection” bill. It is about voter suppression, nothing else. Think about your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family and what these people need to do in order to vote. And then vote “no” on Question 1.
Shelly Shapiro
Steuben
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