When talking with my older grandchildren about how they weigh the truthfulness of facts they read or hear, they all agree that “considering the source” is one of the most important and helpful tools a person can use.

With regard to Question 1 it is notable that the PAC supporting a bill that makes it more difficult for Mainers to cast their ballot received a half-million dollars in cash from the Concord Group, a Virginia based right-of-center advocacy group.

That makes me stop and wonder “What’s in it for them?”

This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. The people of Maine from all political parties, all genders, all religious organizations, and all ages use absentee ballots to vote.

Over 40% of us vote using absentee ballot (that number jumps to 62% if you are over 65!). There have been NO cases of fraud in Maine using absentee ballot. Why make it harder for us to vote?

I have been highlighting the absentee ballot portion of this referendum, but the full text of this measure is a 19 page document that makes 44 changes to our voting laws including changes thatput an unnecessary strain on our town clerks before and during elections. We know and trust our election officials!

I have heard that this referendum is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. I feel it better described as a change that create problems – not solve them. I keep asking myself “Why is a Virginia financial group interested in changing our laws?”. I am voting ‘No’ on Question 1.

Michael Schaab lives in Monroe