Twenty-two years ago, the courts fixed a grave error in Maine law which denied people with a mental illness that were under guardianship the basic, fundamental right to vote. This November, we can make things right by fixing the language in the Maine Constitution.
Unfixed, we have set a specific group of individuals apart from others in their communities. People who have mental health challenges do have a right to vote, even with a guardian (unless a judge orders otherwise.) Why does this matter since we have won the right to vote? It is because we the people need to align all our decisions with the Maine Constitution. Not doing so can lead to confusion and is misleading. By aligning the constitutional language with that of the court, it signals respect for those who have often lived a marginalized life by being allowed to vote. It says that we all matter.
Simonne Maline
executive director, Consumer Council System of Maine
Oakland
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