Maine Republican Party Chairman Charles Webster says nonresidents and illegal immigrants are voting in Maine and are doing so because of Election Day registration. Yet, despite the months of accusations and insinuations, there has been no proof shown of voter fraud in Maine, other than the two known cases in the 40-year history of same-day registration.

The realities of this issue are fairly simple:

The Supreme Court says that it is legal for college students to vote in Maine, just as students from Maine have the right to vote in their college states.

When people move to another state, they are allowed to vote there, regardless of how long they have lived there.

Maine has a better-than-average voter turnout due to same-day, which means a more politically engaged population.

The issue is not of voter responsibility to register prior to Election Day. That argument has replaced the fraud argument. Honestly, how many people have forgotten to renew a license, auto registration, or even a doctor appointment?

Any changes to the processes of voting, redistricting or polling places must be deeply scrutinized by the voters. If not, we risk political biases that seek to tip the tables in their favor.

Regardless of a person’s political party or beliefs, voting is a sacred right that many have died to protect. To arbitrarily tamper with the process is the ultimate insult to the people of Maine.

I will vote “yes” to protect same-day registration and voting rights.

Joseph Mailey, Auburn