Protect Voting Rights in Maine: Vote NO on Question 1

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. Here in Maine, we have a proud tradition of protecting the right to vote and making the ballot accessible for all eligible voters. That tradition shows in the numbers: Maine consistently ranks among the states with the highest voter turnout.

The ACLU of Maine has supported that tradition for decades, fighting to preserve and strengthen voting rights and make it easier for eligible voters to participate in the state’s safe and secure elections. That’s why we are part of the Save Maine Absentee Voting coalition, opposing Question 1 on the November 4th ballot.

This year, there are two statewide questions on all Maine ballots, and several towns have local elections. You can help protect voting rights by voting NO on Question 1, a proposal that would make it harder for thousands of people across Maine to cast a ballot.

Question 1 would create 28 major changes to Maine’s election, rolling back years of progress that have made our elections safe, secure, and accessible. Some of the most concerning impacts include:

• Eliminating the ongoing absentee voter program. This program provides stability and certainty for seniors and people with a disability, allowing them to receive a ballot for every election without having to reapply each time. Ending this program would force our elders and neighbors with disabilities to go through unnecessary extra steps before every single election.
• Restricting the number of secure ballot drop boxes. Ballot drop boxes are a trusted and convenient way for voters to return their ballots safely, particularly for people in rural areas or who have limited mobility.
• Cutting early voting. Question 1 would eliminate the two most popular days for early voting, making it more difficult for people with hourly jobs, children, and limited transportation options to make their voice heard.
• Creating new barriers to requesting absentee ballots. Restricting who can help voters request a ballot would cut off access for Mainers who rely on trusted community members or telephone requests for support.
• Invalidating tribal IDs for voting. Question 1 would block voters from using their tribal identification to cast a ballot, disenfranchising Indigenous communities in Maine.
• Banning pre-paid postage. Question 1 would prohibit towns from making their own decisions about providing pre-paid postage on absentee ballots. Towns should be able to make this decision so people who may not be able to afford postage can still make their voice heard.
• Implementing some of the harshest mandatory voter ID rules in the nation. Question 1 would require voters to have military ID, a Maine driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or another ID from the Maine Secretary of State. Common forms of ID, such as student IDs and tribal IDs, would not be allowed.

Absentee voting matters in Maine. In November 2024, 45% of Mainers cast their votes via absentee ballot. 61% of Mainers over age 65 used this safe, secure, and popular voting method in the same election.

Mainers have long understood that no matter who we vote for, voting rights matter to all of us. The right to vote is foundational for all other rights and freedoms. Question 1 would make it harder for all Maine voters to cast a ballot, but would especially burden elders, people with disabilities, working parents, and rural voters.