U.S. Rep. Jared Golden is urging Maine voters to reject Question 1, the statewide referendum that would require photo identification to cast ballots and make a host of changes to absentee voting.
In a written statement Friday, Maine’s 2nd District congressman called Question 1 a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“Proponents say it will make our elections more secure, but the primary effect of its passage would be to make it harder for eligible Mainers to vote in the way that makes sense for them,” said Golden, a Democrat from Lewiston. “Mainers turn out to vote at one of the highest rates in the country, and absentee voting is a big reason why.”
Supporters of Question 1, which was brought to referendum by conservative activists, have framed the referendum around a voter ID requirement—something that 36 states already do. But opponents have argued that the changes to absentee voting are the much bigger concern.
Last election, 45 percent of all votes cast in Maine were by absentee ballot. If approved, Question 1 would eliminate two days of early absentee voting and remove what’s known as ongoing absentee voting. This system currently allows older and disabled residents to automatically receive an absentee ballot each election rather than request one in person.
The referendum also would prohibit family members from requesting ballots by phone and limit the number of municipal ballot drop boxes, among other changes.
“This initiative would dismantle that absentee voting system that so many Mainers rely on,” Golden said. “It would make it harder to vote for rural voters who live far from the polling place, voters with disabilities, seniors, and people who work multiple jobs or can’t get away from the workplace on Election Day.”
Maine’s other Congressional delegation members have not issued opinions publicly on Question 1.
However, Gov. Janet Mills spoke in opposition to the November referendum last week and urged Mainers to vote no.
“Maine is proud to lead the nation in voter participation because of our long history of safe and secure elections,” Mills said in her radio address. “Whether you vote in person or by absentee ballot, you can trust that your vote will be counted fairly. But that fundamental right to vote is under attack from Question 1.”
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/17/jared-golden-urges-maine-voters-to-reject-voter-id-referendum/
