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Many “Yes on 1” proponents only talk about photo ID and often ignore all of the limitations this citizens’ initiative will place on absentee and mail-in voting. You can’t have one without the other if this measure passes.
As you have probably read in other letters and columns, even conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation have found that voter fraud in Maine is virtually nonexistent. This is a national initiative that is being imposed on a state that is already known for its high voter participation and election integrity.
President Donald Trump decried mail-in ballots when he lost the 2020 election, yet he encouraged early voting and absentee ballots in 2024, which helped give him a victory. Now Vladimir Putin has apparently whispered in his ear, and the president is ready to attempt to ban all mail-in ballots. This, like the mid-decade redistricting going on, is a clear attempt to restrict voting in favor of keeping one party in power.
As citizens, one of the few powers we have is our right to vote. Whatever diminishes that right also diminishes our power. All of the provisions in Question 1 impose more limits on the voting process here in Maine. Trust your clerks. Trust your neighbors. How many people can stand up and honestly say that their voting experience in Maine elections has not been free and fair? Vote “no” on 1.
Eric Boothroyd
Dover-Foxcroft
