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The people pushing Question 1 say it’s a common-sense idea that will ensure election honesty. It would just require us to show our ID when we vote, right?
Wrong. This measure would make it harder to vote, especially for our rural population, many senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Its real intent seems to be to keep some voices silent.
It aims particularly at absentee ballots. Among other restrictions, it would:
Prevent a family member from requesting an absentee ballot for you. Force you to request your absentee ballot online or in person. You couldn’t just call your town office. Give you two fewer days to submit your ballot. Allow only one drop box per town. You might have quite a drive to find the box and cast your ballot.
Question 1 would also allow any citizen in your town to challenge your ballot if they thought it didn’t follow the rules. And the last phrase of the question asks us to approve “other changes to our elections.” What changes? It doesn’t say.
Maine has virtually no history of election fraud. Efforts like Question 1 seem designed to keep some people from voting. I believe voting “yes” on Question 1 is voting “no” on democracy.
Anita Kurth
Bangor
Election notice: The BDN will stop accepting letters and columns related to the Nov. 4 election on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Not all submissions can be published.
