Voting is the most fundamental right we have as Americans. It’s at the heart of everything we care about. Each election, we get a new opportunity to choose leaders who stand for what we believe in, who represent our values, and who will guide our state and country into the future. It’s because voting is so critical to who we are as a country that I feel so strongly that it should be a quick, secure and simple process for all Mainers, and that we need to prevent any barriers from being put in place that would prevent someone from making their voice heard.

That’s why I’m delighted to share that now, registering to vote in Maine is even easier. Thanks to a law that the Legislature passed back in 2019, Maine now has an automatic voter registration system! This means that going forward, any time you visit a BMV branch to get or renew a driver’s license or ID, you will be prompted with the opportunity to register to vote or to update your existing registration. All you need to do is provide proof of your citizenship and residency. Adults 18 years or older will be registered to vote, while 16 and 17 year olds will have the opportunity to “pre-register,” meaning that they will be all set to vote once they turn 18. Not only is this convenient, but it helps keep voter lists up-to-date and helps our municipal clerks!

On July 20, I had the pleasure of joining our Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, along with fellow lawmakers at the Scarborough BMV for a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the implementation of the new voter registration system. It was a great opportunity to come together and reflect on the progress we have made to protect Mainers’ right to vote and ensure everyone can access the ballot box. Fittingly, my daughter joined us and afterward we went inside the BMV for her to get her learner’s permit!

While Mainers will still be able to register to vote using paper forms, this new automatic voter registration system will make it even quicker for folks to do so, while also simplifying the process for municipal clerks. Additionally, Maine still offers same-day voter registration, so if you forget to register in advance of an election you can do so right at your polling place on the day of.

Automatic voter registration isn’t the only step we’ve taken to preserve and expand access to the ballot box. Last year, my colleagues and I in Augusta passed a law that guaranteed the right to use absentee ballot drop boxes and maintained an online ballot tracking system so people can know if their ballot has been accepted by their clerk. These changes took the uncertainty out of absentee voting. We also passed another law to ban corporate campaign contributions in state elections. Mainers should be the ones making decisions about who our leaders are, not big corporations. We even passed a law that will allow people to securely register to vote online – it will take effect next year.

As Mainers, we have always taken pride in our elections. Our independent streak, high-turnout and reliable results are key features. In Augusta, I have been proud to protect the sanctity of our elections system, while also making sure there aren’t obstacles getting in the way of folks’ ability make their voices heard. As your state senator, I will always do all I can to strengthen our voting laws and protect your right to vote.

If you have questions about this new system or anything else, don’t hesitate to send me an email at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or call my office at (207) 287-1515.

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