AUGUSTA - Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, will introduce a proposal on Monday that would allow eligible Mainers to register to vote using a secure online portal.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted opportunities to strengthen our elections so that all eligible voters are able to participate fully in the democratic process. By creating a system for Mainers to register to vote and update their registration online, we can simplify the process for both voters and election administrators," said Pierce. "Often we think of young people registering to vote for the first time, but the truth is that online voter registration will benefit Mainers from all walks of life, from aging Mainers to working parents."
LD 1126 would implement online voter registration between now and 2023, giving state and local election officials time to adapt and ensure the system is secure. The proposal has earned support from voting rights advocates and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who oversees the state's elections.
"Offering a secure online voter registration portal is an important step in making the voting process more accessible to all Maine citizens," said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. "An online registration option would eliminate the challenges of accessing a physical voter registration card at the town office, and make it easier for clerks to manage updates to their voter rolls. In this day and age, people expect to be able to conduct business online and we are confident that todays technology will allow us to implement this new option securely and effectively."
Forty states and D.C. have successfully implemented online voter registration systems.
WHAT: Public hearing on LD 1126, Rep. Teresa S. Pierces bill to allow eligible Mainers to register to vote online.
WHERE: The Legislatures Veterans and Legal Affairs will hold the hearing virtually via Zoom.WHEN: Monday, April 5 at 10 a.m.
- Members of the public can sign up to testify or submit written testimony at legislature.maine.gov/testimony.
- The hearing will be streamed live and archived on the Legislatures YouTube account.
Contact: Jackie Merrill [Pierce], c. 812-1111
Kristen Muszynski [Bellows], o. 626-8400