Protect Maine Votes – A Campaign to Restore Election Day Registration in Maine

Voting rights are under attack in Maine. We need your help to make sure that all eligible Maine voters have an opportunity for their voices to be heard.

Since 1973, eligible Mainers have been able to register and vote on Election Day.

It’s a system that has worked, and there’s no good reason to change it.

A “Yes” vote on Question 1 in November will protect voting rights and repeal the new law that eliminates Election Day registration.

We have never had a significant problem with voter fraud. We do not need this new law, and we should reject it because it could discourage many qualified Mainers from voting.

A lot of people in Maine have to work two or even three jobs to make ends meet, which can make it difficult for them to take time off to go register. Same-day registration makes it possible for many working Mainers to vote. Without same-day registration, these hardworking people could be shut out.

Since Election Day registration was introduced 38 years ago, our State has enjoyed increased voter participation and had trouble-free elections.  

This has been true in all eight states with Election Day registration.  In 2008, Maine had one of the highest voter participation rates in the country.  Only Minnesota and Wisconsin had higher participation rates and both states enjoyed Election Day registration.

Unfortunately, during the last legislative session, politicians in Augusta repealed the right of voters to register and vote on Election Day.  

During public hearings on the proposed legislation, no evidence was provided that this practice had caused any problems during the 38 years it had been the law in Maine.  

The Maine Town and City Clerks Association testified against the elimination of same-day registration as did the majority of the people who participated in the public hearing.

If this new legislation is allowed to go into effect, many Maine citizens who are eligible to vote will be required to go to their local municipal or town clerk’s office before 5 p.m. on the Thursday before Election Day, and then return to their polling place on Election Day to vote.  

The elimination of Election Day registration creates an unnecessary barrier for eligible voters and will place a new burden for many Maine citizens who wish to participate.