Have Mainers read all 16 pages of the so-called “Voter ID for ME” referendum? Question 1 says a lot about absentee voting — restricting the method that 40% of Mainers use, while saying nothing about voter registration. No mention of making sure those who register are American citizens.

There’s an old joke about a man frantically searching for keys under a streetlamp. A policeman joins him — later asking if he’s sure he lost his keys there. The man replied, “No. Over there, a half-block away.” The officer asked, “Then why search here?” The man replied, “Because the light is better.”

This referendum is like that joke. If there is a problem with Maine’s voting process, the place to fix it would be registration. But “Voter ID for ME” is not looking over there. Because changes that are easier to make — well, they’re over here where Republicans keep shining the light.

Don’t be fooled. Vote “No” on Question 1.

Gordon Street
Lincoln