Does anyone remember the arguments back in 1993 about the “Motor Voter” bill? The National Voter Registration Act made it possible for citizens to register to vote at their local motor vehicle departments when they went to obtain or renew their drivers’ licenses.

The NVRA passed in Congress largely along party lines and was signed by President Bill Clinton. At the time, Maine’s representatives voted along those party lines — Olympia Snowe against and Tom Allen in favor. Likewise, Sen. Bill Cohen voted in opposition and Majority Leader George Mitchell voted in favor. As I recall, Mitchell, arguing in support of the bill, chided his colleagues across the aisle, asking “Who’s afraid of a little democracy?”

It would seem that 18 years later, the Republicans are still afraid, even after benefiting from the tidal wave of electoral results in 2010.

Why else would they be raising the feeble specter of voter fraud and overworked registrars in order to restrict voter registration from coast to coast?

Collective bargaining would also appear to be frightening to the GOP. Consolidating one’s gains is fine, but not at the cost of disenfranchisement.

Same day registration worked quite well in Maine for more than 40 years. Once again, just what was the problem with that?

Here’s hoping that voters of all stripes will support Question 1 on Nov. 8 — the “people’s veto” that will restore same day registration in Maine.

There’s no reason to be afraid.

Edward Walworth, Lewiston