How the Supreme Court’s Mail-In Ballot Ruling Could Affect Voters
#AbsenteeVoting
Supreme Court to Hear Major Challenge to Mail-In Ballot Laws
Here in #Maine, 40% of the vote is in (and a lot was #AbsenteeVoting ) and #NoOn1 is ahead by 60%.
You’d be surprised how many people register for #absenteevoting , get their ballot in the mail, and then bring it to the polling place. Or, they don’t bring it, and they rock up at the polling place and want to vote.
We KNOW we mailed you a ballot. Maybe you didn’t get it, maybe you did. You’re not voting in the polling place unless you surrender the one we mailed you. If you can’t surrender it, you have 2 choices: vote a provisional ballot, or go home and get it to surrender it.
You are definitely not taking the one we mailed you and putting it through the scanner. Even though they would totally work. Because that’s what they do at the office of elections if they decide to count your ballot.
We know how many ballots came in for our precinct. Every ballot must be accounted for. They go in a few places:
- into the scanner, counted
- into an envelope, spoiled
- into a provisional ballot, when there’s some uncertainty about your eligibility
- into a provisional ballot because you are doing a same-day registration (register to vote and vote for the first time in one motion)
- into an envelope, voided
What’s the difference between “spoiled” and “voided”?
I’m glad you asked.
#electionofficer
9/
#WabanakiAlliance Urges Voters to Reject Question 1 on Nov. 4
"On #November4th, Maine voters will face a referendum question, #Question1, that seeks to fundamentally change Maine’s election laws and make it significantly harder for #Wabanaki citizens and all Maine voters to cast their vote — especially our #elders, people with #disabilities, working voters, #caretakers, and those without reliable transportation.
"The Wabanaki Alliance is a proud partner of the #SaveMaineAbsenteeVoting campaign and stands in strong opposition to this measure, which would create unnecessary barriers to voting and disproportionately harm our citizens. For the #WabanakiNations, the right to vote is sacred and the result of a hard-won battle by our ancestors. Voting rights weren’t extended to Wabanaki citizens in Maine until 1967, decades after federal voting rights for indigenous people were passed in 1924. Another deeply troubling aspect of this ballot measure is that it explicitly excludes #TribalIdentification from the list of acceptable forms of #VoterID. As federally recognized tribal nations, we value our #TribalSovereignty and self-determination. This exclusion seeks to invalidate and undermine the ability to identify our people and have that authorization respected. As the original stewards of these lands and waters now called Maine since time immemorial, we find it imperative to assert this right and have it honored.
"Question 1 is not a measure to secure our elections. It is a measure to suppress votes. The Wabanaki Alliance urges all Maine voters to vote NO on Question 1 this November to protect the right to vote for all Mainers.
How Will Question 1 Make It Harder to Vote?
Q1 will restrict your ability to request an absentee ballot by:
Creating a voter ID requirement for the first time AND excluding Tribal IDs, university or college student IDs, employee IDs, Social Security cards, and birth certificates from the list of acceptable IDs required to request and return an absentee ballot or to vote in person on Election Day.
Eliminating the option to call your town clerk to request an absentee ballot, making it harder for those without reliable transportation or internet to request an absentee ballot.
Prohibiting town clerks from sending you an absentee ballot that you requested online until you provide proof of an approved photo ID, either in person or by mailing a photocopy of your photo ID or your driver’s license number or non-driver ID number.
Eliminating ongoing absentee ballots for seniors and people with disabilities.
Eliminating the ability for a designated family member or friend to pick up your absentee ballot on your behalf.
Q1 will make it harder for you to return your absentee ballot by mail or drop box by:
Limiting towns to only offering a single ballot drop-box at the town hall. This would mean town clerks would be prohibited from providing absentee drop-boxes that are most convenient to where Wabanaki citizens live.
Prohibiting towns from including return postage on absentee ballots, even if taxpayers vote to fund it.
Requiring you to include a photocopy of an approved photo ID or your driver’s license number or non-driver ID number with your absentee ballot. Your vote will not be counted without that proof. The referendum also excludes Tribal IDs and other forms of valid ID from the list of acceptable IDs required to vote.
Eliminating the ability for a designated family member or friend to return your absentee ballot for you.
Q1 will undermine the security of absentee voting by:
Second-guessing town clerks, requiring a two-person, bipartisan team to check ballot boxes, instead of the clerk or a trusted member of their staff. This restriction will place undue pressure on town clerks, and will lead many towns to simply get rid of their secure drop-boxes.
Q1 will make it harder to vote in person, either on Election Day or by absentee ballot, by:
Shortening the time period for early absentee voting by two days — eliminating the two most popular days for early absentee voting.
Creating a voter ID requirement for the first time AND excluding Tribal ID, university or college student ID, employee ID, Social Security card, or birth certificate from the list of acceptable IDs required to cast their ballot.
Key Dates
✅ October 30: Last day to vote early in-person absentee and the last day to request an absentee ballot.*
✅ November 4: Election Day. Polls are open from 8 am to 8 pm. All absentee ballots must be returned to your town clerk by 8 pm."
https://www.wabanakialliance.com/no-on-question-1/
#MEPol #ElectionDay #MaineElections #Elections2025 #AbsenteeVoting #NoOnOne #NoOn1 #TribalIDs #CollegeIDs #Disenfranchisement #Authoritarianism
Trump Tells GOP Lawmakers to “Get Smart” and Eliminate Early Mail-In Voting
“The seeds are being planted to rig the midterms,” one journalist wrote in response to Trump’s comments.#Mainers! The last date for requesting an #AbsenteeBallot is fast-approaching! Contact your municipality or fill out the form linked below!
Also, #VoteNoOnOne! Protect #Maine #AbsenteeVoting!
Opinion: Why you should vote no on #QuestionOne to save absentee voting
https://mainebeacon.com/opinion-why-you-should-vote-no-on-question-1-to-save-absentee-voting/
Link to Absentee Voting web form:
https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl
#MainePol #MEPol #Maine #VotingRights #VoterDisenfranchisement
It's that time of year again.
Now it's your turn
#justvote #votefromabroad #absenteeballot #absenteevoting #voteFromHome #vote #ivotedtoday
Supreme Court to Consider Illinois Mail-In Balloting Lawsuit
On today's #CommunityVoicesForChange on #WMPG, the host interviewed #ShennaBellows about how the #GOP tried to downplay the consequences of the upcoming ballot question, #QuestionOne. This isn't about #VoterFraud, this is about making it harder for #MaineVoters -- and getting rid of #AbsenteeVoting altogether! As for IDs? Only driver's licenses will be accepted! Not #StudentIDs or #TribalIDs! You can see who this is aimed at (as well as Seniors, many of whom vote absentee)!
WMPG show page:
https://www.wmpg.org/show/mon1300/
Listen to the audio archives (available for 5 weeks after air date):
www.wmpg.org/archive-player/?show_key=mon1330&archive_key=0
#CommunityRadio #CollegeRadio #CommunityVoices
#NoOnOne #MaineVoters #AbsenteeVoting #VotingLaws #MainePol #VoterDisenfranchisement #MAGA #MaineGOP
Save #Maine #AbsenteeVoting
via @savemaineabsentee.bsky.social, posted 9/23/2025
🗣️ ANNOUNCEMENT: Save Maine Weekend of Action!
"Join us October 4-5 for the Save Maine Weekend of Action as we work together to protect our secure absentee voting system. #Democracy thrives when every voice is heard!
📍 In-Person Events:
Saturday, 10/4: 9:30 am
Sunday, 10/5: 1:00 pm
RSVP for one or all events @ the link below. Together, we can ensure #Maine's voting system remains accessible and secure for all."
https://linktr.ee/savemaineabsenteevoting
#SaveMaineAbsenteeVoting #VoterDisenfranchisement #MaineElections #MainePol
American Living Abroad? UOCAVA Voting is for YOU! 🌍
If you’re a U.S. citizen living outside the country, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) ensures your right to vote in federal elections. ✅
Are you also a disabled voter? No problem! You have the right to accessible voting methods! Head over to https://VoteFromAbroad.org to register and request your absentee ballot! ✉️
#AbsenteeVoting #UOCAVA #VoteFromAbroad #Vote #USpolitics #USpoli
#MaineQuestion1 is a good reason to vote in an "off-year" election (you know, when the sneaky types try and pass shit!).
#Mainers like #AbsenteeVoting. Question 1 would make that option harder.
The November referendum has been framed around requiring #VoterID, but it also includes a host of changes to absentee voting.
Rachel Ohm, August 24, 2025
Excerpt: "#MaineVoters have come to increasingly rely on absentee or #MailInBallots — a practice that is routinely targeted by #Republicans politicians as rife with potential fraud, even though evidence doesn’t support that.
"During last year’s presidential election, almost half of all votes cast were absentee. The latest citizen-initiated proposal would make that more difficult.
If passed, it would prohibit voters from requesting absentee ballots by phone, and would require older Mainers and those with disabilities to renew their eligibility each year. The proposal also would limit the number of #DropBoxes municipalities are allowed to have and prohibit them from including prepaid return postage."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/CuNbt
#Absentee #BallotAccess #Disabled #Poor #MaineVoters #DisabilityRights #VoterDisenfranchisement #USPol #MainePol #USElections
#VisuallyImpaired #voters sue #NewHampshire over changes to #Absentee #BallotAccess
The plaintiffs say the new law will deter some voters with #disabilities from participating in the democratic process at all, even after they have registered to vote
By Steven Porter Globe Staff, Updated August 21, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
"Three people with visual impairments are suing New Hampshire officials to challenge the constitutionality of a law that will soon tighten #PhotoID requirements for voters seeking an #AbsenteeBallot.
"The plaintiffs — Adele Robertson of #ExeterNH, Daniel Frye of #ConcordNH, and Regina Wilson of #BrentwoodNH — allege the new law, known as #SenateBill287, will impose a significant burden on every #AbsenteeVoter statewide.
" 'And, in some cases, these burdens will entirely prevent voters from exercising their #RightToVote,' their lawsuit states.
Under the new rules imposed by #SB287, voters will be required to either bring a photo ID to their local election officials to request an absentee ballot in person, or submit a copy of their ID or a notarized signature along with their application.
While proponents said the legislation will better protect election integrity, critics said the changes will add barriers that disproportionately impact #seniors, voters with #disabilities, and those living in #rural parts of the state."
Read more:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/21/metro/nh-blind-disabilities-voters-absentee-ballots/
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/DWXKG
#VoterDisenfranchisement #DisabilityRights #USPol #NHPol #AbsenteeVoting #USElections
[3/3] #PineTreeActivism Calendar
Events for May 10th & 11th, 2025
Details confirmed as of May 8th
Share/Repost so Mainers know where to #RESIST!
Submit events to: ptactivism@gmail.com
MAY 10, Sat 1:30-2:30PM – #WellsME
Wells Public Safety Building, 1563 Post Rd
#HandsOff! Wells, Maine Fights Back – We're taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands Øff! https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/781562/
MAY 10, Sat 2-3:30PM – #AugustaME
Maine State House, 2 State House Station
Save Maine Absentee Voting - Fair and equitable access to the ballot box is under attack. Rally to Save Maine's #AbsenteeVoting. https://saveabsentee.me/events/
MAY 10, Sat 2-3:30PM – #BelfastME – in person and zoom
Belfast Free Library, 106 High St
Waldo County Democrats Monthly Meeting – Guests welcome. Agenda includes discussion of potential topics for community forums.
Pre-register: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/783750/
MAY 11, Sun 12-1:00PM (& every Sun) – #BelfastME
Post Office Square
Weekly Stand Out for Peace – https://www.mvprights.org/events
MAY 11, Sun 12-1:00PM (& every Sun) – #EllsworthME
Union River Bridge downtown
Weekly Stand Out for Peace – https://www.mvprights.org/events
#MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights
MAY 11, Sun 1-2:00PM (& every Sun) – #WatervilleME
1 Kennedy Memorial Dr (on the bridge next to CVS)
Stand Up to Preserve and Restore Our Country – Demand restoration and preservation of our democracy, support of Ukraine, and opposition to the Musk/Trump administration: www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/779042/
MAY 11, Sun 4-5PM (& every Sun) – #PortsmouthNH
We stand in front of North Church off Market Square
#CivilRightsSundays – Take a Stand to Defend Our Democracy!
Bring signs, though signs/flags available! Hosted by #OccupySeacoast
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/767905/
MAY 11, Sun 6:30-7:30PM – Virtual Event – Join from anywhere
Stand united to protect our rights, freedoms, rule of law, & democracy.
MAINE: Rapid Response for Our Freedoms
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/747363/
#MaineResists #MaineEvents #FreePalestine #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism
#ResistFascism #USPol
#Oklahoma: Oklahoma House Passes Stricter #VoterID, Awaits Senate Scrutiny
By Amelia Claire Grant, March 29, 2025
"The Oklahoma House has given its nod to a new bill that ratchets up voter ID regulations; if you're planning on voting in 2027, you'll need to show a picture of yourself.
"The legislation dubbed House Bill 1005, spearheaded by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, is now one step closer to becoming law after coasting through the House with significant support, as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives' official site.
"Here's the deal: Should #HB1005 get the final thumbs up, Service Oklahoma is going to pair up with the Secretary of the State Election Board and get cracking on providing free photo IDs for voters, because everyone hustling to the polls will need to flash one—this applies whether you’re rocking up to vote in person or opting to mail in an absentee ballot."
Read more:
https://hoodline.com/2025/03/oklahoma-house-passes-stricter-voter-id-bill-awaits-senate-scrutiny/
#VoterDisenfranchisement #Elections #OklahomaPol #USPol #VoterID #VoterIDAct #AbsenteeVoting #AbsenteeBallots #USElections
#Maine: As Maine eyes voter ID law, Trump order tightens federal registration rules
by Caroline LeCour, March 27, 2025
"As Maine voters eye a statewide voter ID proposal, a new #ExecutiveOrder from President Donald #Trump is adding another layer to the conversation around election integrity and access.
"The order signed Wednesday would require proof of #USCitizenship to register for #FederalElections and mandate that all ballots be received by Election Day—a change from the current system in many states that allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to count if received later.
"Though separate from Maine's voter ID proposal—which addresses identification at the polls rather than registration—some in the state see a common goal.
"'This is a policy, different policies to strengthen our elections, to increase confidence of voters to participate in our democratic process,' #AlexTitcomb, of the grassroots organization The Dinner Table, [a #Conservative #PAC] said. The group spared Maine's voter ID proposal, which was certified by the Maine Secretary of State earlier this year.
"Critics argue that requiring documents many voters may not readily have—especially those whose names may not match across forms of ID—could discourage legitimate voters from participating.
"'A lot of married women have changed their names, some of their documents don't match up,' Jen Lancaster, with the League of Women Voters of Maine, said. 'Maybe they don't have the perfect document, and they get turned away. That's what #VoterSuppression is. It's eligible voters being denied their right to vote.'
"Lancaster says the executive order is likely to face legal challenges, echoing concerns from national #VotingRights organizations."
#VoterDisenfranchisement #Elections #MainePol #USPol #VoterID #VoterIDAct #LeagueOfWomenVoters #AbsenteeVoting #AbsenteeBallots #VoterID #SAVEAct #USElections
Guess what we did today?
#justvote
#votefromabroad #absenteeballot #absenteevoting #voteFromHome
#vote #ivotedtoday
Wisconsin Supreme Court Says Ballot Drop Boxes Can Again Be Used
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