Voters in Maine today repealed a new Republican-backed law that requires residents to register to vote at least two business days before an election. They also turned thumbs down on efforts to build a casino and a racing track.
The so-called “people’s veto” of the GOP overhaul of Maine’s 40-year-old voter registration laws was seen as a big victory for college students and lower-income residents, who are more inclined to move from one neighborhood to another to make ends meet — and don’t learn that their names are missing from voter registration lists until the day of an election.
Democrats had widely supported the repeal, while Republicans opposed it — as did Gov. Paul “Tea Party” LePage, who also said this week that he would like to start drug-testing anyone in Maine who receives welfare payments.
Proponents of the gambling casinos touted the revenues and jobs they would bring to Maine. But opponents claimed the negative social costs and extra police work would outstrip the positives, and tying the state’s education revenues to gambling was poor public policy.
Travels with Harley 
Beautiful country, haven’t been there since the ’70’s. Great photos, George. xoxox
Thanks, Tori! After one pretty chilly 20-degree night (with near-zero windchill on the bike at the speed limit) the weather in Maine turned beautiful. But it’s time to start heading south. The geese are way ahead of me. Best! / G.
And Karen Heck won the mayor’s seat, so good news there. She organized a response rally to domestic violence incidences last spring, demanding that men show up and take a stand, and co-founded “Hardy Girls/Healthy Women” among other contributions. Innovative thinker, energetic volunteer – Waterville will be in good hands. Happy trails, George.
Good on you, Waterville! But I’m not surprised, Kathy, considering all the wonderful/intelligent local folks you introduced me to. Thanks again to you and Jona for being great hosts. After we parted, I had a great trip through Acadia NP, then last night in Boston stayed at a hostel a couple blocks from Fenway. Presently doing a backroads tour of Cape Cod, meeting a friend there, then heading south before the great weather changes. Cheers! / George