AUGUSTA – The coalition leading the effort to maintain Election Day voter registration officially launched their campaign during a State House press conference today.

Barbara McDade, president of the League of Women Voters of Maine, said the state’s 38-year-old law allowing same-day registration should be preserved.

“Same-day registration has worked and has helped our state to become a leader in voter participation,” she said.

The Republican-led Legislature passed a law repealing the provision earlier this year, a move that joined Maine with 41 other states that do not allow same-day registration. The law states voters must register at least two business days prior to the election.

State Rep. Jon McKane, R-Newcastle, said even with the change, Maine would remain one of the easiest states to vote in.

Opponents of same-day registration say it can lead to voter fraud, while supporters of maintaining it say it’s repeal would lead to voter disenfranchisement.