For a number of years now, the ACLU of Maine has helped train lawyers to fan out across the state on election day to make sure that nobody is harassed or intimidated or otherwise prevented from voting. Generally speaking, there are rarely major problems. Elections in Maine work very well, and Mainers are generally very respectful of one another--even when the election itself is hard-fought. 

But, every year there are at least a few incidents, and it is very gratifying when the ACLU is able to help address problems before they get out of hand. That is just what happened on Tuesday in Auburn, and as luck would have it the lawyer on duty was more than just an ACLU-trained defender; she was ACLU of Maine Public Policy Counsel Alysia Melnick. 

This article tells the story of what happened, and how Alysia stepped in to fix it. I know that she felt extremely fortunate that she was in the right place at the right time to help. I know that the two women (who were able to cast their votes) were pretty thankful of that as well.