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• Anonymous

  “One of the reports, released Monday by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, said states with same-day registration have consistently have higher turnouts than states without, and the top five states for voter turnout were all election-day registration states.”

  Imagine that, states that allow people to register the same day have higher turnout. Maybe because the losers who could not be bothered to get their butts to the town office the other 363 days of the year get a union member to drive them for free on that day… and then they vote for whoever their chauffer tells them to…

  Sorry people, get a life. This is a non-issue. If people can’t be bothered to go and register except when you give them their “walking around money” then maybe they should stay home and vote next time.

  Get informed, get registered a couple days before, it ain’t that hard kids.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7T3YNF6MG3FPEAVTFIJC44VQUI Dlbrt

  One of the reports, released Monday by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, said states with same-day registration have consistently have higher turnouts than states without, and the top five states for voter turnout were all election-day registration states.

  Thats what the Republican Consensus is all about!

  Supressing Votes!

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GBAsFwPglw

• Anonymous

  That’s interesting. All people who drive other people to the polls are union members. I assume you get your information in the same place people opposed to same-day registration get theirs – from their imagination. You are right about one thing, though – This IS a non-issue – a solution looking for a problem.

• Anonymous

  Gee it doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out. That’s why the Republicans overwhelmingly supported the passage of same day registration decades ago. Unfortunately, now the GOP is so corrupt that rigging elections in their favor is what matters most to them now. 

  As a former Republican who has seen the light, please join me in making the SAVE AMERICA pledge: I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN EVER AGAIN.

• Anonymous

  I do solemnly swear!

• Anonymous

  There was no problem until we elected this group of puppets of ALEC and the MHPC to the legislature and Blaine House. Now we need a solution to the problem created by these puppets. Too bad we have to waite one more year to fix half of the problem.

• Anonymous

  I’m not sure why higher voter turnout is such a good thing.  I think only tax payers should have the right to vote. Sorry leaches!

• Anonymous

  “Do you want to reject the section of Chapter 399 of the Public Laws of 2011 that requires new voters to register to vote at least two business days prior to an election?”

  Got to love how they word the ballot…….

• kcjonez

  This poll result is kind of a no brainer.  It is interesting that the “Heritage” goons will actually try to refute it.  They must be desperate.  This whole issue is shaping up to be another divisive us vs. them issue.  ”Us” is the people who love and want democracy……”them” is the out of state moneyed special interest groups that want to keep all the power and money to themselves.  

  Kind of a no brainer…….

• Anonymous

  And this from a person who probably claims to love America and the US Constitution. Of course following Skidoo31′s misguided logic someone who has been in the State of Maine for less then a day would probably qualify as a taxpayer. Rooms and Meals Tax, Sales Tax or Gas Tax would be a qualifier.

• Anonymous

  Concerning voting in Maine, this is the rebuttal by Maine Heritage Policy CEO Lance Dutson:“Maine has had consistently high voter turnout since the 1960s, before
  same-day voter registration was allowed,” he said. “Being able to
  register on Election Day is certainly convenient but it’s not the reason
  for high turnout.” So whose right? You or Mr. Dutson?

  You are making a case for voter suppression. Assuming you are correct, what does someone’s possible motive to suppress have to do with the merits of requiring non-registered voters to register at least two days prior to election time if they wish to vote? I say this law makes sense and serves to protect legitimate votes from being effectively negated by improper votes. What’s wrong with that? I have NO reason to believe the new requirement will cause Maine voters to shy away from the polls. In fact, knowing that cast votes are worthy of being protected is all the more reason why a qualified voter would want to vote on election day. Oh, I just forgot, maybe it’s all about politics, that is, seeing one political side win while the other loses.

• Anonymous

  If people can’t be bothered to register on time, maybe they don’t deserve to vote. After all, voting doesn’t appear to be all that important of an issue to them.  Also, who can tell which party will win out on account of an anticipated lower voter turnout under the current registration law? You appear to be assuming only Democrat candidates will possibly be put at a disadvantage.

• Anonymous

  It seems apparent that many of the posters here have no concerns about election fraud. I say thats great!! Im suggesting that we start bussing in bought-and-paid-for Republican “voters”, get them registered and have them vote (straight GOP ticket of course). Then the GOP can control Maine for 30 straight years. I suspect that all these people so callous about the security of our elections would be singing a different tune if this were to happen. The democrats have pulled this sort of corrupt B.S. for decades, so its time to fight fire with fire I say. Maybe after another 30 years of unbalanced control by one party you folks will want to make sure our elections are secure.

• Anonymous

  So LePage and a whole list of legislators who once registered within 2 days should have been prevented the right to exercise their right to vote? 

  I hope one of two things happen if this is not rescinded by the voters:

  1.  People get angry and make sure they get out and register on-time and few or none are disenfranchised; or
  2.  The GOP loses their bid in a squeaker and the difference is the large number disenfranchised in a traditional GOP stronghold.

  When you try to screw with the most basic of civil rights, you deserve to get burned.

• Anonymous

   There is no fraud.

• Anonymous

  At this moment in our history when big money is running rampant through our congress the people need to have a voice more than ever.  It is no coincidence that now is exactly the time this step is taken to shut us out.  Nearly every problem with our government can be boiled down to the money in the game.  We keep money out of amateur athletics.  It is time to do it with our politics.  This law was brought to you by your friends at ALEC, where corporations go to buy legislation. 

  It’s time to get all of the money out!  Sign the national petition to be heard.  This is the simplest message and it should resonate with democrats, libertarians and many republicans. 

  http://www.getmoneyout.com

• Anonymous

  There are non partisan groups yes, but most if not all that are worried  here in Maine, are far from being nonpartisan. In fact most are from the far left Liberal sector. It has also been proven that most of the illegal voters turn up on voting day to register as it is harder to tell if they can or cannot legally vote. 

• Anonymous

  I need a ride because charlie webster’s gang took the vans man.

• Anonymous

  This wording is part of the GOP scam as well.

• Anonymous

  This is typical GOP logic.  They are so sleazy, arrogant, self righteous fools.

• Anonymous

  Yes.

• Anonymous

  show us the proof that this happens in the state of maine

• atruebluedowneaster

  How about instead of voting for a party you vote what is in your heart that works best for the state or the country….I wish we could ban all parties! The people who run have to run on what they are going to stand for and do for the people of the state or the country…. No more parties….

• Anonymous

  I’m with you on this one JonathanK.  Not because I am worried about voter fraud but because this is important stuff and folks need  to take their responsibility seriously.

• Anonymous

  “In fact most are from the far left Liberal sector. “  Hahaha.  You wouldn’t believe any research unless it supported your preconceived assumptions.  Try resoning instead of prejudism, you might learn something abvout life once your blinders are off.

• Anonymous

  If you can’t win an election fairly, demonize the underdogs.

  From the 14 points of fascism.

  Fraudulent ElectionsSometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.

• Anonymous

  Both parties are guilty of election fraud. But the elections that

  1) Defy the polls and do not allow exit polls

  2) Have dramatic upsets at 1 AM where all the stragglers who’s votes are turned in so late, oddly enough , always always go for the republican candidate.

  The above happened to Don Seigleman running for gov. of Alabama. When he protested, he was arrested and convicted of a trumped up charge. Put in leg irons in court and not allowed to walk free while on appeal…unlike Tom Dancing with the Stars Delay who appealed for years. Two justice systems in the US, one for republicans and another one for the rest of US.

• Anonymous

  There is a lot of fraud. The republicans in NH just passed a bill stating that in a recount, voters cannot look at the ballots. NH is a make or break state in the primaries.blackboxvoting. 

• Anonymous

  Thank you republican gov lapage and our republican legislature for turning back the clock for ME to the 19th century.

• Anonymous

  Feel the same way about democrats, and I have been a democrat all my life. Where did my party go?

• Anonymous

  Bingo.

  May I add , it is the system. If a lawmaker can’t be bribed or threatened, then they are of no  use to the system.

• Anonymous

  Thanks for the heads up , will make sure that I know how to vote on this.

• Anonymous

  From the 14 points of fascism.

  Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying CauseThe people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

• Anonymous

  Oh, the Maine Heritage Foundation says that…..right!!

  There is no good reason to reverse what has worked so well. The increase in voter participation is something to praise and is something that we encourage in this country. 
  No voter fraud has been found, although they keep desperately trying to find some.
  If they are so concerned about students, and are targeting them (wonder why!,) , why aren’t they concerned about the “snow birds” and where they vote,etc.  I don’t want the snow birds targeted either, mind you , but just pointing out the hypocrisy and falseness.
  I think when this is voted on, same day registration will be retained. Most people want to see as many people vote as possible (with no fraud, which they have not found.)

• Anonymous

  thats obama’s book your quoting from.

• Anonymous

  Don’t get fooled by the GOP rhetoric. It’s really quite simple. The GOP caused this mess. They are blocking all attempts to fix it. They only work for and care about the top 2%. How could you ever vote those guys back in office ever again. Vote Independent. Vote Dem, but NEVER VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN EVER AGAIN.

• Anonymous

  When an entire party spends 24/7 working for the interests of the top 2% and protecting every tax break, loophole , and special subsidies they get,  then using your powers of deduction you can conclude they have been bought and paid for…the GOP unless you haven’t been paying attention.

• Anonymous

  “Election Day registration is something we should aspire to, but [Maine]
  has no structure in place to make it work,” Dutson said.

   Umm…Mr. Dutson? Maine has had same-day voter registration for almost 4 decades, and it was working just fine. Why on earth, if it is something to “aspire to”,  did you support having it done away with in the first place?

• kcjonez

  I have always liked the idea of election day being a holiday.  We celebrate the birth of our nation on Independence Day–we celebrate the symbol of our nation on Flag Day–we celebrate those who gave their all for our nation on Veterans Day–we should celebrate the continuing vitality of our nation by giving all workers the chance to appreciate it’s value and the time to participate.  

• Anonymous

  I never read obama’s book . Did you? Or did you hear something on fox news that you want to share?

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Edward-Lachowicz/100000535475609 Edward Lachowicz

  Tell that to Paul LePage, who registered the day before the election in 1982…

• Anonymous

  Good old Charlie Summers, he was in favor of a report which said our election system was strong and sound…before he was against it.  People who change their stripes out of political expediency are to be pitied, not respected.   

• Anonymous

  This is an emotional argument not based on reason. No one is trying to prevent anyone from exercising his or her right to vote. In fact, part of the right to vote is the assurance that elections  are conducted properly and fairly. When elections are not fairly conducted, as we witness in dictatorships, people are disenfranchised. So settle down a little bit and don’t let your party affiliation dictate what is proper and fair. No one will suffer loss of their vote just because of a two-day window closed to registration every four years. This is no longer horse-and-buggy days when people had to sometimes walk miles and miles just to get groceries or register to vote. Today, people have plenty of leisure time to spare. Besides, opportunities to register are no longer the rare events they used to be. They can be found on college campuses and in other liberal strongholds throughout the state.

  Personally, I don’t care so much about what happens to Republicans or Democrats. If Republicans lose big time because of the newly enacted registration law, then so be it. This law is not about Republicans or Democrats or the current governor. It’s about the right of the people to have fair elections. So, think about it. The ability of one to distance himself or herself from the party of one’s preference is a mark of independence on one hand as opposed to slavery on the other hand. The more you come to this realization, the happier you will be in the long run. You’ll also be smarter on account of clear thinking.

• Anonymous

  Why are you getting all hyped up? The voters will get a chance to decide. And if the voters decide, democracy wins. You need to give voters credit for their ability to make sound decisions regardless of how much money is poured into a campaign. Besides, have you noticed on which side of this issue the state’s two biggest and influential newspapers are?

  I’m in favor of retaining the newly enacted registration law, but if the voters want to repeal it, I don’t plan to lose sleep over it. Life is very short. And, if you live long enough you’ll come to realize that such issues actually make little difference in people’s lives. As a conservative who votes conservative, friendship is more important to me than how one votes or with whom one allies himself. 

• Anonymous

  Not even Abe Lincoln if the opportunity arose? Wow, talk about painting oneself in a corner!

• Anonymous

  Not even Abe if he was affiliated with the corrupt, sleazy, only care about the rich GOP!

• Anonymous

  Since you insist on putting down the GOP why don’t you look at what the donkey party stands for: support for the death of 54 million unborn children by abortion since 1973. If you were born after 1973 be thankful you escaped the jaws of the abortionist’s instrument.

• Anonymous

  I guess you must have done that last election otherwise why a Republican sweep.  Oh I remember you promised jobs and now we have an attempt at voter suppresion, the whoopie pie as offical snack, fireworks so kids can blow off fingers and tax cuts for the wealthy.  I will say LePage did follow up on the previous gov. deal with the Millinocket mills , I am glad someone remembered what was promised.  We will wait for further development in the jobs area.  Maybe LePage could hire someone to put the mural back up.

• Anonymous

  I signed last Wed., everybody should be on this bandwagon.  These SuperPacs allowing money to be for or against any candidate and we the voting public have no way of knowing who is providing this money is just plain wrong.  I even hear on Fox that it should not be allowed. As of now just before 11 am there are 89,775 who have signed.

• Anonymous

  You will need to change the constitution for that one,  good luck with that.

• Anonymous

  The ability to vote is key. Anything that keeps people away from the polls must solve a significant problem. There is no such justification here. I have no problems with the clarity of my thoughts on this issue. Your arrogant suggestion that I do is telling. Show me a widespread issue that warrants making it more difficult to participate in elections and I am happy to consider solutions. As has been said many times with this law, it is a solution looking for a problem.

• Anonymous

  You are lying, there is no proof that “most of the illegal voters turn up on voting day”.

• Anonymous

  Fox is the creation of the oligarchy. News Corp should not be permitted to operate media in the US, period. There is an ethical responsibility that broadcasters are supposed to adhere to. The hacking and corruption by News Corp define their ethics. Thank you for supporting the petition. Maybe in ten years we can get our government back from the banks, oil and big pharma. It all really boils down to the money. This is the moment we need to act or our voices will be silenced. The perfection of the oligarchy is close at hand.

• Anonymous

  The Republican party was not conservative in the 1850′s.

• Anonymous

  Nothing but vitriol. DON’T FEED THE TROLL!

• Anonymous

  The Sleazy GOP deserves to be scorned at. Don’t talk to me about morality, you sleazy party is all for GREED, DISHONESTY AND DESTROYING GOD’S GREAT EARTH and DOESN’T CARE ABOUT THE POOR AND THE ELDERLY BUT JESUS SURELY WOULD DO.

• Anonymous

  In comparison to today’s standards, it definitely was. I used to be a Democrat, but the party left me behind by adopting a plank I could not swallow anymore.

• Anonymous

  Well, it’s your opinion. Incidentally, do you attend Church on a weekly basis?

• Anonymous

  When last I looked, Election Day is the first Tuesday of every year.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7T3YNF6MG3FPEAVTFIJC44VQUI Dlbrt

  It’s about the right of the people to have fair elections

  So dip thier thumbs in Ink!

  It works in third world countries!

• Anonymous

  With the knee-jerk reaction of liberals like we are seeing in this paper, one would be foolish to try to legislate the use of ink for voting purposes.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7T3YNF6MG3FPEAVTFIJC44VQUI Dlbrt

     Right Wing Talk shows hosts have been paid Millions to work the lunatic fringe segment of the population into a frenzy insuring that they will get out and vote for conservatives and against liberals in general .

     What really ticks of the contributors to this 24 /7 onslaught of properganda is that the majority of rational voters quite often remains apathetic about issues and tend to procrastinate until the last minute to vote.

    The statistics of Maine’s voter population voting is 58% of which 38% voted for Governor Lepage.

  So if about 22 % of the voter Population Voted for him!

  And if 8 % of the population is illiterate!

  http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/illiteracy-maine-1911-2011

  Then it is No “Wonder” that Republicans are afraid of same day registration and  College Students Voting!

• Anonymous

  Follow the money behind the law to restrict voter access  – special interests from away.  Why on earth would good Maine Republicans want to change our ways?  Money.  

• Anonymous

  ” Today, people have plenty of leisure time to spare”  Maybe you do, but some don’t.  We all seem to agree voting is important and everyone should vote, so with no evidence of registration fraud, why make it harder?    If you want less vote fraud, get impartial observers to monitor US polling places and the whole vote count process.  I hear the UN has a group who does that . . .

• Anonymous

  And then there is always name-calling.  Nice.

• Anonymous

  Bingo back at ya.  It’s not Republicans and its not Democrats – its Politicians protecting the “sugardaddies” who fund their lavish lifestyles.