The Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee killed a proposal to require voters to present a photo ID earlier this month.
We’re glad legislators are standing up for voting rights and listening to Maine people ”“ who demand easy access to the polls.
However, the committee also created a resolve asking the Secretary of State to study changes to Maine’s election system.
The Secretary of State, Charles Summers Jr., has already made his case for putting further restrictions on voters through a study of voter fraud his office completed in this summer. The two-month investigation into possible voter fraud by college students and noncitizens only turned up allegations of students committing voter fraud did not, and only one noncitizen who voted in Maine.
Shenna Bellows, executive director of the ACLU of Maine, said in a prepared statement on the announcement, “By rejecting photo ID, the committee has stood up for everyone’s fundamental right to vote and have their voices heard. Unfortunately, this study is a waste of resources and time, and it creates a new opportunity that could be used to further politicize the administration of elections. In these difficult economic times, it seems irresponsible to use state resources directing the Secretary of State to do his job.”
We agree with Bellows. And as Summers himself pointed out in testimony before the committee, his office already has the power to review election practices and propose changes without additional action by the Legislature. And he has.
The right to vote is an integral part of our democracy, and voter participation is important. The higher the turnout at elections, the more accurate the representation will be in our legislative bodies. Restricting access to elections hurts Maine people in the end.
The issue has been before the Legislature and its committees several times ”“ to no avail. It’s time to drop voter ID and move on the more pressing issues facing Mainers like the need for jobs and affordable health care and solving Maine’s budget woes.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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