AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows released the following statement following the passage of the SAVE Act by the U.S. House of Representatives today.
“Maine elections are already free, safe, and secure, and the SAVE Act will do nothing but make it harder for rural voters, voters who have changed their names, or younger voters to register to vote and cast their ballots,” said Secretary Bellows. “It is disappointing to see D.C. politicians legislating based on misinformation, rather than helping local election officials continue to do our jobs well.”
The SAVE Act disproportionately impacts rural voters, voters who change their names, and younger voters. 84% of women who marry change their surname, meaning that their birth certificate does not have their legal name on it. Under the SAVE Act, U.S. citizenship would need to be proved in person each time a voter registers to vote.
“As Maine’s top motor vehicle administrator, I know that the SAVE Act will have a disproportionate harmful impact on married women, rural voters, and seniors, especially older northern Maine residents who were born in Canadian hospitals,” said Secretary Bellows. “It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in Maine elections, and the SAVE Act does nothing to change that, but rather hinders Maine voters from being able to register to vote or cast a ballot in future elections. I hope the U.S. Senate has the good sense not to pass this legislation.”
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