Voting is at the core of everything we believe in this country. The ability to make our own individual choices, decide who represents us in government, and choose the direction we go in as a nation is what makes America so great.

Unfortunately, in recent months across the nation, we have witnessed a revamped and organized efforts to restrict American’s access to the ballot box without evidence of significant fraud. These efforts are an attack on our most fundamental right as Americans.

In Maine, my colleagues and I have worked to do the opposite. I recently received a 100% score from Democracy Maine, a nonpartisan organization, on my votes to strengthen our democracy and voting rights, so I wanted to use this space to share some of the changes that we made over the past year.

Firstly, I supported a bill to ban corporate contributions in legislative and gubernatorial elections. In 2020, we saw nonstop political ads that were powered by millions in outside spending. Mainers knew this was a problem, and they said loud and clear that they don’t want corporations and big money to influence our local elections. My colleagues and I listened. This new law will help us in our fight to keep big money from overwhelming voters and swaying elections.

This past election, Maine voters benefited from several voting innovations, including an online absentee ballot tracking tool and secure ballot drop boxes. This year, we made these changes permanent, so voters can continue to have this easy, safe access to the ballot box. I know many folks who enjoyed being able to track their ballot through the process, from being accepted, to being processed by their local clerk. It also gave folks peace of mind knowing that if there was an issue, they would know about it and get the opportunity to fix it. The ballot drop boxes also allowed Mainers to securely deliver their ballot right to town hall without having to stick it in the mail. This reassured voters who could know for sure that their ballot was in the right place by the right time, and allowed more flexibility as to when it could be dropped off.

I’m proud to share that a new law we passed will ensure that Maine voters will continue to have access to both of these options, and will also give more guidance to clerks across the state to ensure secure, safe operation. We also passed a new law that will allow Mainers to register to vote online. This is a common-sense change that modernizes the process while also freeing up our clerks and staff for more pressing tasks. Together, these changes will help ensure that seniors and folks with hectic schedules who may have struggled to find the time to vote will get an opportunity to do so.

Last but not least, we rejected bills that would have made it harder for Mainers to vote. Just like in other states across the country, there were a range of bills here in Maine that would have made it more difficult for folks to vote. Maine is at the top of the list when it comes to well-run, secure elections in this country, and there is no reason why we should make it more difficult for citizens to cast their vote. I’m glad my colleagues and I came together to oppose these measures.

We have a proud voting tradition in Maine. With one of the highest turnout levels in the entire country, we take pride in making our voices heard. This year, my colleagues and I strengthened the laws surrounding our elections, made sure that no one misses out on their chance to vote because of unnecessary restrictions, and fought back against corporate money in campaigns.

I’m extremely proud of the work we did to protect our most fundamental right we have as Americans.

You can always send me an email at Ned.Claxton@legislature.maine.gov or call my office at 287-1515.

Ned Claxton of Auburn is a Democratic state senator.