Dear Editor:

This November we will vote on the citizens’ initiative, “An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting.” This sounds simple enough, until you understand what we will lose.

If the “Voter ID” referendum passes:

• You will no longer be able to call your town clerk to have an absentee ballot sent to you.

• A family member will no longer be allowed to pick up or drop off your absentee ballot.  

• It will eliminate ongoing absentee voting which directly impacts seniors and people with  disabilities.

• Two of the most popular days for early absentee voting will be eliminated.

• It will limit the number of secure ballot drop-off boxes a town may offer.

• A "bipartisan team of elected officials” would have to pick up the ballots every day while the town office is open and then hand them to the town clerk.

Many of our neighbors will be impacted if this becomes law. People with disabilities, including many of our veterans who fought for this right, people living in rural areas, the elderly, and working people with limited time to get to the polls.

Over 40% of Mainers vote by absentee and over 60% of Maine seniors use absentee ballots. Maine already has comprehensive voting laws. Voter fraud in Maine is almost non-existent and is punishable by law. 

Mainers take voting seriously and we have one of the highest voter turnouts in the country. I’m a volunteer at the polls; I can attest to the fact that Maine clerks are trustworthy and that absentee voting is secure and accurate.

For more information, go to www.saveabsentee.me

Protect every citizen's right to vote. Vote “No on 1.”

Mary Hanley

Southport