Vote No on 1 to Save Absentee Voting

Late this evening Governor Janet T. Mills (D) issued a statement in which she urged Mainers to reject Question 1 on the November 4th ballot because the proposal would make it harder for many Mainers to exercise their right to vote.

“Maine is proud to lead the nation in voter participation because of our long history of safe and secure elections,” said Governor Mills.  “Whether you vote in person or by absentee ballot, you can trust that your vote will be counted fairly.  But that fundamental right to vote is under attack from Question 1.”

She noted that while proponents claim the ballot measure would make elections more secure, it would instead make it harder for seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, first responders, and workers with unpredictable schedules to vote by banning pre-paid return postage for absentee ballots, even when towns choose to provide it, prohibiting voters from requesting absentee ballots by phone or through family members, ending ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and voters with disabilities and limiting the number of secure ballot drop boxes that municipalties may use.

“Our elecdtions are already safe, secure and trustworthy,” Governor Mills continued.  “The right to vote is at the foundatio of our democracy.  Let’s not make it harder for Maine people to exercise that important freedom.  Reject Question 1 at the ballot box on November 4th.