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I urge all voters to vote “no” on this November‘s referendum Question 1 to preserve the right of my husband to easily vote by absentee ballot. He is 75, uses a wheelchair, and is unable to drive.
It is currently a simple, straightforward process for him to vote absentee. He has already received his ballot for the November election. When he votes, he signs the envelope that comes with the ballot and we return it to our town. His signature is checked and the clerk makes sure that all is in order. Voting in Maine elections by absentee ballot is fair and safe.
If the referendum were put in place, my husband couldn’t vote absentee without getting a special “nondriver identification card” or a passport. Getting a “nondriver identification card” is not an easy thing to do. It’s a 50-mile round trip for us to the nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and that would involve loading/unloading his wheelchair and walker, and waiting for his turn at the BMV.
Voting should not be complicated. Our current system has multiple safeguards to protect the integrity of our elections whether a resident votes absentee or in person.
Please join me in voting “no” on Question 1 to protect our current, uncomplicated right to vote absentee.
Clare Hudson Payne
Brooksville
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