PORTLAND — Former Senate Majority Leader and Special Envoy George Mitchell is endorsing the “Yes on 1” campaign, which would restore same-day voter registration in Maine.

In a statement released today by the “Yes on 1” campaign, Mitchell says same-day voter registration helps citizens to vote, and democracy is stronger when more people participate.

Maine voters will decide next week whether to repeal a new state law that requires voters to register at least two business days before an election. If it is repealed, a law allowing registration up to and including Election Day will be restored.

In his statement, the former Democratic senator says same-day voter registration is part of the reason that Maine is a national leader in voter participation.

Opponents say the two-day law helps to prevent voter fraud.