Much is made of Arizona Sen. Sinema and West Virginia Sen. Manchin for blocking voting-rights legislation. Where is Susan Collins? She should be leading this battle for voting rights.

Voting is a right in the United States. In Maine, we’re blessedly balanced in ensuring that everyone who has a right to vote, is able to vote.

But imagine living in a state where “officials in charge” decide that everyone in any county needed to cast his/her vote at the county seat. Requiring everyone in Sagadahoc County to go to Bath to cast ballots may not seem extreme, but how would folks in Jackman enjoy being forced to go to Skowhegan to vote? Or how about requiring everyone in Aroostook County to go to Houlton? Note, this assumes you can get there, and don’t have to work on election day!

This isn’t extreme. This is comparable, and in some cases benign, compared to restrictions being put into place in multiple other states.

We need Sen. Collins to stand up for what is right and support the Freedom to Vote Act, the The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Electoral Count Act.

 

Bob Nelson

Clinton

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