AUGUSTA – The coalition leading the effort to maintain Election Day voter registration officially launched their campaign during a State House press conference today.
Barbara McDade, president of the League of Women Voters of Maine, said the state’s 38-year-old law allowing same-day registration should be preserved.
“Same-day registration has worked and has helped our state to become a leader in voter participation,” she said.
The Republican-led Legislature passed a law repealing the provision earlier this year, a move that joined Maine with 41 other states that do not allow same-day registration. The law states voters must register at least two business days prior to the election.
State Rep. Jon McKane, R-Newcastle, said even with the change, Maine would remain one of the easiest states to vote in.
Opponents of same-day registration say it can lead to voter fraud, while supporters of maintaining it say it’s repeal would lead to voter disenfranchisement.
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