I was disappointed to read, in Rachel Ohm’s Feb. 17 article, that Sen. Collins announced her support for the so-called Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Numerous studies and reports have made clear that voter fraud in Maine, and throughout the country, is negligible. Yet, Republicans continue to push the narrative that our voting system is broken and that elections have been or will be stolen unless something is done. 

If this act becomes law it will result in voter suppression. By supporting this act, Sen. Collins perpetuates the myth of widespread voter fraud — a myth that is eroding trust, the very trust in voting she says she is seeking to preserve. Under current filibuster rules, which Sen. Collins says she supports, it appears highly unlikely that this bill will pass. So, what gives? Does she honestly believe the SAVE Act is needed or is this simply political theater that further erodes trust?

Jay Espy
Freeport