Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to [email protected]
The absentee ballot system in Maine has provided a secure method of voting for decades, making it simpler for many rural Mainers to vote, particularly the elderly, disabled, workers with multiple jobs, and people without reliable transportation. Last year, more than 40 percent of Maine voters and 60 percent of Maine seniors voted this way.
But Question 1 on the November ballot seeks to throw hurdles in the way of these voters. If the referendum passes: A disabled or elderly voter would no longer be able to phone their town clerk to request an absentee ballot as they have done for years. And instead of towns automatically sending them absentee ballots for future elections, these voters would have to request one every time, putting more burden on the voter and on town clerks.
Picking up an absentee ballot for an elderly parent would be much more difficult.
The state would block towns from supplying pre-paid return postage for absentee ballots, even if communities vote to fund it.
Instead of our trusted town clerks retrieving absentee ballots from drop boxes, a two-person system would be required. The extra bureaucracy means many communities may eliminate drop boxes altogether, making it more difficult for voters to deliver their ballots.
Two of the most popular days for absentee voting would be scrapped.
The cost to institute these hurdles: more than $1 million.
Voters should be encouraged to participate in elections without unnecessary, cumbersome state controls and red tape.
Vote “no” on Question 1 on Nov. 4.
Marcia Myers
Deer Isle
