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I am a retired state employee, union leader, mother, and grandmother, and I want to see a stronger democracy for my kids and grandchildren. We have an opportunity to defend the strong election system we have in Maine this November. I believe we must vote “no” on Question 1 to do so. If Question 1 passes, this could take away access to the right to vote for thousands of Mainers and will, in my view, put us on the wrong path.
I regularly vote absentee. I live in a small town with a small town hall, and since I broke my leg, standing in long lines in harsh November elements is very difficult. I would rather vote from the comfort of my own home. Many of my peers with more challenges than I do feel the same way, especially for those without reliable transportation.
Maine recently passed a law to allow for automatic absentee enrollment for Mainers over 65; Question 1’s passage would take that away from me and my peers. The right to vote is protected by the Constitution and this effort will only make it more difficult for Mainers like me to vote. That is not right.
I’ve voted in every election since I was 21 years old and I don’t want to see anything stand in my way to make that harder. Please read the entire language of the bill, don’t just listen to the ads. Please vote No on Question 1 on Nov. 4.
Lois Baxter
Orrington
