Maine is one of eight states that permit same-day voter registration.

In the recently concluded legislative session in Augusta, a law was passed that would require new voters to register to vote at least two business days before an election to give town and city clerks the time to verify the eligibility of newly registered voters to ensure fair and accurate elections. This would bring an end to same-day voter registration.

The new law will not affect those already registered at their current address or those who may have moved within the state of Maine since last voting.The new voter registration law would remain among the most lenient in the country.

The law is not, as has been alleged, a plot to rob people of their right to vote. The only person who can rob you of your right to vote is you.

Please vote no on Question 1 on Nov. 8.

Terence McManus

New Sharon

I consider myself a responsible person. I hold two and a half jobs, I pay rent, and I keep up with local and national news to remain a well-informed citizen.

I also register the same day as I vote, mainly because I tend to move around a lot.

Having the ability to register same day is hardly a discussion about whether a person is responsible enough to vote, but it’s a debate about why a law that restricts voting access is being enforced.

Secretary of State Charles Summers has failed to prove that there are legitimate reasons to have L.D. 1376, since in 38 years only two reported cases of voter fraud exist.

Keeping same-day voter registration a Maine tradition is part and parcel to maintaining a just and fair democracy.

Dana Fadel

Portland

Portland mayoral race moves backers to write

Many of us have nearly given up on politicians, despite the fact that, as a society, we desperately need good leaders.

For our next mayor, I am looking for three central characteristics in a candidate: 1) demonstrated, sustained caring about important public issues; 2) personal integrity; and 3) a proven ability to work well with people, particularly those with whom one disagrees. Heck, throw in a sense of humor for good measure.

Having been a neighbor of Michael Brennan’s for over 30 years (gulp), I have had ample opportunity to observe these four traits. Being a neighbor doesn’t make one a public policy expert, but it does give one a fine chance to size a person up, particularly without the stage of microphones and cameras.

Michael has bent my ear on civic issues (mostly education, affordable housing and economic renewal) on more occasions than I care to remember, not for my vote, but because he cares deeply and inherently about our state and city.

As mayor, he would make me proud of Portland. I recommend him to you.

Jeremiah Conway

Portland

Portland voters are facing an important choice this November when they choose a new mayor.

Nick Mavodones is the right choice. Mavodones currently serves as mayor, elected by his colleagues on the City Council, where he has served with distinction.

He’s served our city on the School Committee and on the City Council and has helped guide Portland through some of the most difficult economic times in a generation.

Mavodones is a problem-solver with specific ideas on how our great city can continue to grow without losing its distinctive character.

He has a plan to help create jobs by making it possible for some permits to be turned around in a single day.

He is also committed to Portland’s working waterfront and has worked in high-profile roles to restore the groundfishing fleet, and he has a plan to re-establish ferry service to Nova Scotia.

Mavodones knows what we need to do to help create jobs and grow, but he’s confident enough not to preach change simply for change’s sake.

He understands that the role of the mayor in Portland is to build consensus and bring a diverse population together to work for the common good.

Rosa Scarcelli

Portland

Ethan Strimling should be Portland’s first elected mayor. He has spent his entire life working to make other people’s lives better.

When he began working at LearningWorks, it was an organization desperately in need of change. It is now a vibrant place, helping people improve their lives on a daily basis.

With a master’s degree from Harvard, Ethan could work wherever he chooses. He chooses to work with those who need help the most.

Ethan was a strong voice for Portland when he was a state senator in Augusta. He was someone who said what he thought and pushed for what he thought was right, even if it was unpopular.

He is the epitome of a strong leader, and isn’t that what Portland needs right now?

Rep. Denise Harlow

Portland