On Tuesday, Mainers across the state will take to the polls. Voters have the opportunity to weigh in on two statewide ballot referendum questions—one of which would significantly reduce voting access in future elections. We urge you to vote “No” on Question 1 to protect voting access in Maine.

While framed by proponents as a “voter ID” law, Question 1 goes far beyond just requiring photo identification. It would end ongoing absentee status for seniors and people with disabilities, requiring them to request an absentee ballot for each election. Additionally, it would also shorten the number of days of absentee voting, reduce the number of ballot drop boxes, ban requests for absentee ballots over the phone or on behalf of family members and prohibit the use of prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes.

Maine’s existing election policies have facilitated widespread electoral participation. In the November 2022 election, Maine had the highest voter turnout of all states in the nation, with 61.8 percent of the voting age population turning out to vote. We fear additional limitations on absentee voting will hinder this participation, disproportionately affecting people in rural areas, people with disabilities and senior citizens, as well as those who work multiple jobs who may not have the ability to travel to the polls on Election Day. Maine has the oldest population in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making these restrictions especially impactful.

Maine is one of only two states that has always allowed incarcerated citizens to vote. Legal experts and civil rights advocates raise the concern that Question 1 would make it harder for incarcerated people to cast their ballot. People in prisons, who have reduced access to identification, have to rely solely on the absentee process and are yet another group absentee voting restrictions risk isolating from the polls.

Moreover, voter ID policies restrict voting to those possessing specific identification, presenting another barrier to voting access. The proposed policy would restrict the identification accepted to driver’s licenses, passports and other forms of official government identification, meaning college students would not be able to use their school ID. One in five Americans living in states that already have voter ID requirements do not have a current driver’s license. Additionally, younger Americans, people with disabilities, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans and people with lower incomes are less likely to have a current driver’s license, according to the University of Maryland Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement.

We understand the concerns surrounding secure elections. However, there is no evidence that mail-in ballots increase instances of fraud. There are several guardrails built into the process that prevent fraud. For example, state regulations require signature matching as well as verification of voter registration. Both red and blue states have relied on absentee voting for decades as an important step in increasing voter access.

Currently, Maine is a model for fair and accessible elections. Any voter can use an absentee ballot if it works best for them without needing another reason. Voters should reject this attempt to restrict voting access and participation in the democratic process.

This editorial represents the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of Erin Jones, Rebeca Manzo, Ava Moore, Margaret Unger, Catalina Escobedo and Caitlin Panicker.