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

Since 1973, Election Day registration has worked.

Maine’s elections are efficient and the system has had few problems.

We have had same-day voter registration for almost 40 years now, and it works well.  We have one of the highest voter participation rates in the country, and no significant problems with voter fraud.  The politicians in Augusta should not be trying to get rid of it – Vote YES to keep same-day registration.   

Election fraud in Maine is rare. There have been only two cases of prosecuted election fraud during the past 38 years.

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.

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.

Voting is a fundamental right, and we should not erect unnecessary barriers to participation.

Protect Maine Votes, a coalition of 18 diverse groups, collected more than 70,000 signatures in less than a month to place a people’s veto on the ballot in November. The coalition has since grown to 21 members.

The question reads: “Do you want to reject the section of Chapter 399 of the Public Laws of 2011 that requires new voters to register to vote at least two business days prior to an election?”

A “Yes” vote restores Election Day registration.

The public law can be found here.