AUGUSTA — Supporters of Question 1 on the November ballot say the measure is a commonsense way to strengthen Maine’s already strong voting process.
Opponents say it will make it harder for senior citizens and others to cast their ballots, particularly those who vote absentee.
Ultimately, voters will decide the issue.
The process starts in many cities and towns next week, with absentee ballots available leading up to Election Day on Nov. 4.
Question 1 reads: “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?”
Alex Titcomb, campaign manager for Voter ID for ME, said the driving force behind the citizen initiative is the requirement that all voters show a photo identification before casting a ballot.
“The initiative centers around the requirement of a photo ID when a voter casts their ballot, whether that’s in person or via absentee voting, mail-in voting,” Titcomb said.
As it is now, voters are required to show identification when they register to vote but are not required to have an ID at the polling place.
Across the country, 36 states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show identification when they vote in person, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Opponents of Question 1 say they are most concerned about the proposed changes to absentee voting.
David Farmer, campaign manager for No on Question 1, said nearly 45% of Mainers voted absentee in the last election and the changes proposed in the question will make the process harder.
“Question 1 is an absolute attack on Maine’s absentee voting system,” he said. “If Question 1 were to pass, it will make that harder and will deny thousands of people the opportunity to vote as they have in the past, through the mail absentee.”
Titcomb said he hopes voters support the ballot question, which he describes as an attempt to protect the state’s voting system for years to come.
“Our proposal, Question 1, isn’t about fraud and responding to a problem,” Titcomb said. “Maine has historic high participation rates and very strong elections. Question 1 makes those election systems even better, stronger for future generations to come.”
Farmer said voters should know that the proposal reduces the number of days people can vote absentee and adds new requirements for Mainers to get ballots. As it is now, local clerks can issue a ballot to those who call the town office and request one.
That would change under Question 1, which requires voters to fill out a form and provide a photo ID prior to each election to receive a ballot.
“Question 1 disproportionally impacts older residents, rural residents, residents with disabilities, people who depend on the absentee voting system to make their voices heard,” Farmer said.