Rep. Saucier
seeks to make voter registration easier
Bill to offer free fishing licenses wins unanimous support
AUGUSTA — A measure to improve access to voter registration materials, sponsored by Rep. Bob Saucier (D-Presque Isle), received a public hearing April 22 before the Legislature’s committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.
This bill would clarify which state agencies are required to make voter registration materials available under the Federal National Voter Registration Act, and reminds the affected state agencies of their obligations. Public high schools, the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and other state agencies would need to make voter registration cards available.
“Voter registration needs to be convenient and accessible for every eligible voter,” said Saucier. “This bill will make Maine’s voter registration system even better.”
Maine is consistently ranked among the top 10 states with the highest voter turnout.
Peter Rice, legal director at the Maine Disability Rights Center, testified in favor of the bill at the hearing.
“This bill seeks to increase voter registration among people with disabilities,” said Rice. “This bill imposes no new obligations on the state. Everything that the state is required to do under this legislation is already in federal law.”
For more information about the bill, log onto http://goo.gl/pfq0J.
Another bill sponsored by Saucier that would allow foster children between 16 and 17 years old to receive a free fishing license passed the Maine House with unanimous support April 25.
“Fishing is an important part of growing up in Maine,” said Saucier. “I am pleased that we are taking steps to help more vulnerable youth go fishing.”
According to the Child Welfare League of America, 1,546 Maine children were in foster care in 2010.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has been working to increase fishing opportunities for young people by designating certain bodies of water for youth fishing. Many of these are stocked with trout and are highly accessible.
The bill will now move to the Senate for final passage. If the Senate approves the measure it will be sent to the governor for his signature.
Saucier is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents Presque Isle.
