I’m seeing and hearing a lot of disappointment that voter ID will not be required after Question 1 was defeated in the election on Nov. 4.

As an election worker, I can testify that valid ID is required at the time of registration, making it redundant to require it again at the polls. Voter fraud is verifiably documented to be virtually nonexistent here and nationwide; however, some folks don’t believe that for whatever reason. If that is the case, then I encourage those who lack trust in the system to become a part of it.

In my experience, working once or twice a year at an election that includes yearly, updated training has given me a great sense of purpose in these volatile times, and has educated me as to the impeccable security surrounding every election. It is not a huge investment of time, there is a huge need for workers and many communities reimburse workers for their time.

That said, if showing an ID at the polls is that important to people despite the facts, a future referendum should simply ask that one question. It’s counterproductive to combine two volatile issues in one referendum leaving some folks disillusioned and angry. Initiators of referendums with confusing wordage and conflicting agendas would do well to learn that lesson from this year’s election.

Robin Johnson 
Waterville