Petition drive aims to repeal (GOP/LePage Voter Supression) ban on same-day voter registration (ME)

[jpak]

http://www.pressherald.com/news/petition-drive-aims-to-repeal-same-day-ban_2011-07-09.html

AUGUSTA - A coalition that wants to preserve election-day voter registration in Maine launched a petition drive Friday in hopes of forcing a referendum on the issue as early as November.

The new Protect Maine Votes Political Action Committee held news conferences in Bangor, Lewiston and Portland to begin a signature collection drive, which organizers said will have a presence this weekend in 11 of Maine's 16 counties.

Using the people's veto provision in the state Constitution, the organizers want to force a statewide vote on repealing the law that was passed last month to prohibit voter registration within two business days of an election.

(edit: GOP) Supporters of the law say many cities and towns lack the staffing to accommodate an ever-increasing number of last-minute registrations.

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[LiberalFighter]

1. I say hogwash on the argument banning same day registration

1) With same day registration most citizens are probably already registered.
2) It appears that Maine has their elections run by cities and towns. I would suggest consolidating it under the county government.
3) Encourage early voting either with no excuse absentee or in person.
4) Encourage online voter registration.
5) Utilize computers more effectively on election day for voter registration.