Dear Editor:

Voter ID is a world-wide practice to prevent fraud. It is a requirement in all 27 European Union countries. A search of the 195 world countries, and a deeper look at the results, identify only three countries where it is not required. Rasmussen polling shows that 77% of U.S. voters want Voter ID and it is already required in 36 states. Use of Voter ID was one of the six major recommendations from the 2005 Carter-Baker Election Integrity Commission. Specifically, they recommended a “universally available REAL ID card.” None of the “election integrity” recommendations in that report have been implemented. On the contrary, changes have been made to make elections even less secure.

Americans are losing confidence in the election process. Headlines from Rasmussen polling such as, “A majority of voters suspect recent elections have been affected by cheating” and “More than 20% of voters who used mail-in ballots in 2020 admit they participated in at least one form of election fraud” do not give confidence in our current system.

This should be a slam dunk issue. It is a first step in restoring confidence in our system that both Democratic and Republican voters want. Why are Janet Mills and her administration against it? What do they know that we do not? The singular complaint is it reduces turnout. Looking at turnout after Voter ID has been implemented gives mixed results and does not prove significant reduction in turnout. In cases where there have been slight declines, it could indicate it served its purpose in protecting voter integrity by preventing illegal voting.  Now is the time to protect the integrity of Maine elections. It is time for Voter ID.

Joe Grant

Wiscasset