We need to persuade Sen. Susan Collins to change her vote on the SAVE Act, or whichever euphemistic name the Republicans use. The only rational vote is a vote against it.

Collins has recently complained about being unfairly criticized for not standing up for the people of Maine. Her claim is that she always stands up for the people of Maine.

If Collins votes for SAVE, she will be blatantly disenfranchising thousands of her constituents. The provisions stated clearly in this bills will make it much harder for elderly people to register and vote. It will cause many women to possibly not be able to vote. Collins may be able to rationalize that this is not the point or intent of the proposals. Their true message and intent, however, is clear to anyone who can read. 

This is a solution in search of a problem. One would have to be brain dead to think or imply that there is any need, in Maine or the USA, to make our elections more secure. To suggest that there is is an outrageous insult to all the dedicated people who do the important work of making our elections safe, secure and correct. Collins’ constituents voted overwhelmingly against most of the provisions of the SAVE Act last year. The senator should be ashamed of the implications of a “Yes” vote.

Don Bessey
Old Orchard Beach