U.S. Representative Jared Golden is actively campaigning against Question 1, a statewide referendum in Maine that seeks to impose photo identification requirements for voting and alter absentee ballot procedures. In a statement released on Friday, Golden described the referendum as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” emphasizing that its primary outcome would likely make it more challenging for eligible residents to cast their votes.
Golden, a Democrat representing Maine’s 2nd District, pointed out that Maine boasts one of the highest voter turnout rates in the United States, partly due to the convenience of absentee voting. He remarked, “Proponents say it will make our elections more secure, but the primary effect of its passage would be to make it harder for eligible Mainers to vote in the way that makes sense for them.”
Supporters of Question 1, largely driven by conservative activists, argue that the measure aligns Maine with the 36 states that currently require voter identification. However, critics, including Golden, argue that the proposed changes to absentee voting are far more concerning. In the last election, 45 percent of all votes in Maine were cast via absentee ballot.
If approved, Question 1 would eliminate two days of early absentee voting and discontinue a practice known as ongoing absentee voting. This system allows older and disabled residents to automatically receive absentee ballots for each election without needing to make a request in person. Additionally, the measure would restrict family members from requesting ballots by phone and limit the number of municipal ballot drop boxes.
Golden expressed that this initiative would dismantle the absentee voting system, which many Mainers rely on. He stated, “It would make it harder to vote for rural voters who live far from the polling place, voters with disabilities, seniors, and people who work multiple jobs or can’t get away from the workplace on Election Day.”
Governor Janet Mills has also voiced her opposition to the initiative, urging Mainers to vote against the referendum in her radio address last week. Mills highlighted Maine’s reputation for high voter participation, stating, “Maine is proud to lead the nation in voter participation because of our long history of safe and secure elections.” She added, “Whether you vote in person or by absentee ballot, you can trust that your vote will be counted fairly. But that fundamental right to vote is under attack from Question 1.”
Question 1 is one of two referendums set for the statewide ballot on November 4, 2024. The second measure, Question 2, aims to establish an extreme risk protection order, commonly referred to as a red flag law, in Maine. As the discussion surrounding these referendums intensifies, the implications for voter access and election integrity remain at the forefront of public discourse.
