In addition to protecting the rights of candidates and residents to exercise their First Amendment rights, last night, I attended another in the series of voting hearings being held around the state. I got to listen to people from all kinds of backgrounds talk about the importance of voting to our democracy. Many outlined flaws they see with the voting system and concerns with some of the solutions being floated around - particularly voter ID and the recent failed push to overturn same-day registration. More than a couple of speakers pointed out that voters' clear rejection of repealing same-day registration reflects Mainers' commitment to allowing all who are qualified, to exercise this crucial fundamental right.
Check out the amazing testimony of ACLU of Maine Board member and Bangor resident, Bob Talbot. And get involved. The Commission is holding hearings around the state through November and taking written comments throughout the process. Tell them voting rights are not negotiable!
As Bob said:
"Proponents of requiring a photo ID to vote claim that widespread voter impersonation exists despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. To adopt such a premise is tanamount to saying, "My mind's made up, don't confuse me with the facts. To vote is among the most fundamental rights we have as American Citizens and is protected by more constitutional amendments than any other right we enjoy. Laws that impose new restrictions on voting undermine democracy by impeding access to the polls and reducing the number of Americans who vote and whose votes are counted."
