Vote NO on Question 1 – Save Maine Absentee Voting

The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) has joined the coalition of organizations that oppose Question 1 on the November ballot. We would like you to know why we hope you will join us in voting NO on Question 1.

A healthy environment relies on a healthy democracy. Much of our work is done in the State House, building coalitions to pass new laws or defeat rollbacks that would weaken Maine’s environmental laws.  We can’t do this without strong elections where all residents can make their voices heard, regardless of their party affiliation, driven by our shared love of Maine’s environment.

Question 1 would undermine Maine’s democratic process by making drastic and sweeping changes to Maine’s elections laws. It is a misleading measure that directly attacks Maine’s popular, effective, and successful absentee voting program that has helped Maine have one of the strongest voting participation rates in the nation.

We urge you to vote No on Question 1 because it would:

• Eliminate ongoing absentee voting for elderly and disabled Mainers

• Shorten the time period for early absentee voting by two days

• Limit the number of secure ballot drop– off boxes a town can offer

• Prevent voters from calling their town clerk to request a ballot

• Prohibit towns from including return postage on absentee ballots, even if taxpayers vote to fund it

We are particularly concerned about how the changes proposed by Question 1 would dramatically limit the ability of rural, low-income, elderly, and other voters to make their voices heard through the electoral process.

Question 1 has come to Maine as part of a national attack on voting rights funded by out-of-state donors and organizations connected with the fossil fuel industry who also are also funding disinformation campaigns against climate action and new sources of homegrown clean energy.

Mainers can be proud to have one of the highest voting rates in the nation.  Our tradition of civic responsibility and participation runs deep.  Maine voters can provide an example to the nation on how to defeat voter suppression initiatives and stand up for the simple idea that everyone deserves the right to make their voice heard through access to the ballot box. For a healthy democracy and a healthy environment, we encourage you to vote NO on Question 1.

You can learn more here.