Should states allow Election Day registration? Eight states currently let people register to vote on Election Day, and others are considering it.

• Position: DEBATE

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

YES When we talk about the rights that Americans depend on--such as the right to free speech, due process, and equal protection under the taw--we tend to assume that we get those rights automatically. And that is the case, with one important exception.

The right to vote is the only one of our constitutional, rights that we have to sign up for: Under our system, we are allowed to vote only where we live. And in order to exercise this right, we have to register.

The requirement to register to vote, however, should never act as a barrier to voting.

Allowing citizens to register up to and on Erection Day means that no one with a legitimate right to vote who comes to the polls is ever turned away. That's why Maine is one of eight states that offer Election Day voter registration.

The procedure is simple and secure. In the 35 years we've offered Erection Day registration in Maine, there's never been a documented case of voter fraud by someone who tried to game the system.

Voters registering on Election Day must present documentation that proves their identity and where they live. If the Registrar of Voters is satisfied with their documentation, they get a certificate, go to their polling place, present their certificate, and get a ballot. It's simple for the voter and secure for the public.

Voting is about doing your part to make government work. Much is at stake in every election, and protecting the security and integrity of the process is critical. We should make voter participation as welcome--and easy--as possible.

--MATTHEW DUNLAP Secretary of State, Maine

NO Montana offered Election Day voter registration for the first time in 2006. Since then, we've experienced a number of problems with the system, which is why I don't support the practice and would tike to see Montana change the taw that allows...