Vote ‘no’ on Question 1 to help protect Maine’s democracy

To the Editor;

Here is Question 1 on the ballot next week:

“Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”

Do you want to limit absentee voting? The framers of this referendum say it is all about reducing voter fraud, but Maine has never had significant voter fraud so what is it really about? Well, by limiting absentee voting and making those other changes, it will be harder for those of us who have limited mobility (with wheelchairs, walkers, etc)or resources (driver license or car, etc.)or time (jobs & other schedules), it will definitely make it harder to vote and some of us just won’t be able to do so.

A democracy depends on everyone being able to vote, not just the healthiest and wealthiest. Come November, please remember: vote “no” on question 1. Help protect our Maine democracy.

Bob Lodato

Charleston