On November 1, the ACLU of Maine joined our our Yes on 1 coalition partners at a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) rally at Monument Square. Below is a copy of my remarks to the crowd.
We’ve heard a lot in the last few months about consequences to voting, so I thought I'd share the ACLU's views on that here.
WARNING: Lots of people who vote will be given a sticker that says “I voted” and asked to wear it. This may lead to other people, even perfect strangers, saying thank you. There’s another consequence: if you share on Facebook that you voted, dozens of your friends may “like” your status update. Your gay and lesbian Facebook friends may post heartfelt comments on your page about how your vote Yes on 1 will positively impact their lives. You may get invited to more weddings. And voting could end up being very expensive as you are forced to purchase new attire or gifts for the couple -- or if your vote Yes means you are the one planning a wedding! All of this could happen if you vote Yes on 1 this year.
Not afraid yet? Well, let me warn you what the three requirements are for voting in Maine:
1. You need to be 18 years or older.
2. You need to be a United States citizen.
3. And you need to call Maine your home.
That’s it. Live in Maine. Be 18 years or older and a citizen of the United States. Maine has some of the best voting laws in the country. Even if you’re not registered, you can go down to the polls either today or on Election Day and register to vote. While the laws in some other states changed last year, Maine’s laws stayed the same. We still have same day voter registration. Voting is easy, and everyone can vote.
Who do I mean when I say everyone can vote? I mean students can vote. Students paying in-state tuition. Students paying out-of-state tuition. Students paying no tuition. Elderly people can vote. Elderly people with licenses. Elderly people without licenses. People who own homes can vote. People who rent apartments can vote. People who are homeless can vote. People in jail can vote. People out of jail can vote. People who have never been to jail can vote. Stein voters for Yes on 1 can vote. Romney voters for Yes on 1 can vote. Obama voters for Yes on 1 can vote. In Maine, everyone – no matter who you are – can vote.
But what do you need to bring?
Nothing. You do not need to bring anything with you to vote. Maine doesn’t have a voter ID law. Now, of course, it’s a good idea to bring along something that has your name, picture and address on it. It will make it easier for you and the clerk. A driver’s license – either from Maine or out of state – will do. A passport. A student ID. If you’re registering to vote for the first time, it’s also a good idea to bring something that has your address on it like a bill.
What if you forget to bring a bill with your address? YOU CAN STILL VOTE. You cannot be denied the right to vote, and you should not be turned away and forced you come back later. You will have to sign an oath saying you are who you say you are and you live where you say you live. And your vote will count because in Maine, every vote is counted.
What if your vote is challenged? Your vote will still count.
Maine law only allows someone to challenge the voter if the challenger has specific and actual knowledge that 1.) you are not 18 years old or older; 2.) you are not a United States citizen, or 3.) you do not live in Maine in the city or town where you are voting. The challenger has to sign an oath swearing that he personally knows that you are not eligible. It's potentially a crime to swear a false oath. It's against the law to challenge a voter based on what they look like. And even if you are challenged, you can still vote, and your vote will count.
I know you’re not going to have any problems with voting because voting is so easy in Maine. But if you were to have any problems, the ACLU is here to defend you. We will have lawyers on hand to defend every voter's right to vote on Election Day and to make sure every vote is counted. You can reach us at (207) 774-5444.
So please, it’s so easy – go vote. Vote Tuesday, November 6. It’s very important.
November 1, 2012 - 9:25am
