By Sen. Marianne Moore

(Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in the Calais Advertiser and the Machias Valley News Observer.)

Voting is one of our most important constitutional rights; and, as citizens, it is our duty to exercise this right. Maine has always been at the forefront of making voting accessible and easy for our citizens. Like so many Mainers, I’ve seen claims that Question 1, also known as “the voter ID initiative”, would make voting harder. After reading the full text of the proposal, I’m confident if Question 1 passes, voting will remain accessible for all eligible Maine voters.

One claim I keep seeing is the voter ID initiative would get rid of absentee voting or make it significantly harder. This couldn’t be further from the truth; the proposal protects absentee voting. In fact, under the language proposed in Question 1, absentee requests will be required to be available at least 90 days before the election.

The proposal does get rid of the automatic ongoing absentee ballot request for every election. While this will require voters to request absentee ballots for each election, it will prevent the sending of ballots to individuals who have moved or passed away.

It’s crucial that every absentee ballot delivered is received by the voter who requested it. Online, in-person and mailed requests for absentee ballots will still be available, enabling anyone who wants an absentee ballot will still be able to receive one.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is moved up from the Thursday before the election to one week before the election. This will allow greater time for absentee ballots to be mailed, helping to ensure ballots are delivered on time and every voter’s voice is counted. The deadline to return absentee ballots remains unchanged: They must be received by the close of polls on Election Day.

When it comes to the voter identification aspect of Question 1, there will be extraordinary steps taken to ensure every eligible voter will be able to have their vote counted. Absentee ballot request forms — including the online request form — will require either a photocopy of a driver’s license or non-driver ID card or the identification number on the card. For those without a driver’s license or any other form of government-issued identification, the Department of the Secretary of State will be required to provide one, free of charge.

I’ve also heard from constituents concerned about people who may show up to vote on election day who have forgotten their ID. Those voters can cast a challenged ballot and will have four days to present their identification to the municipal registrar of voters.

While opponents assert voter ID will decrease turnout, the evidence from states that already have voter ID requirements shows no significant decrease in turnout. In fact, turnout in Georgia reached all-time highs, even after they implemented Voter ID requirements that were subject to much of the same misinformation we are seeing here.

It’s crucial we take steps to ensure confidence in our elections while guaranteeing every eligible voter can vote. If Question 1 passes, voting in Maine will still be accessible for everyone, whether they choose to vote in person on Election Day, by absentee ballot at home or in their municipal office. By combining ease of voting with accountability, Maine will continue to lead the nation in turnout while increasing public confidence in our elections.

Senator Marianne Moore is serving her fourth term representing the citizens of Senate District 6, which includes all of Washington County and 16 communities in Eastern Hancock County. She serves as the Senate Republican lead on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee along with the Marine Resources Committee.