Imagine if a majority of Maine residents, about 712,000 people, or 53 percent of the state’s population — somewhat less than the combined populations of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Penobscot and York Counties — were historically denied the right to vote for members of Congress or have any say in their own communities even though they lived in Maine. Now, imagine how much more power the other 47 percent of Mainers would have because they could elect members of Congress who could promote or obstruct public policies that would affect the lives of everyone in Maine.
This is not theoretical — it’s the reality for the 712,000 residents of Washington, D.C., and an example of why granting D.C. statehood must be a top priority to provide a fairer and more representative democracy. All citizens who live, work, and pay taxes deserve an equal voice in their government. Maine is especially proactive in protecting all citizens’ right to vote with same-day registration, ballot drop boxes at town halls, walk-in absentee voting, among others.