As conscientious citizens, we should thoroughly digest the issues and understand that our highest duty, as it relates to deciding the course of this state and, by extension, this country, is to give full respect and accountability to the voting process. Why should we not protect our voting privileges as vigorously and as zealously as we would any other constitutionally protected right?

What is inherently wrong with giving town clerks more time to check names, addresses and eligibility requirements of voters in this state? Why is it a hardship to register ahead of the “day of” when, in most cases, the time frame allotted to do so is two years or more?

There is no common-sense rebuttal to these questions. Aside from unusual circumstances, I would go so far as to say that if a person cannot get off the couch and make an effort to register before voting day, he is, perhaps unwittingly but nonetheless, showing disrespect to the foundational privilege afforded us in America.

In my opinion, same-day registration is a ripe opportunity for fraud.

Human nature being what it is , we must endeavor to block occasions for misconduct by providing checks and balances to ensure a properly functioning and just election.

Identity theft, mail fraud and scams of every kind run rampant in this country. Removal of same-day registration protects the integrity of everyone’s vote.

Patricia Zebley, Lewiston