In 2010, Maine received its razzie award from Forbes magazine as the worst state to do business. This one ranking was over-blown, over-used and over-cited by candidates and campaigns that it shadowed many of the other rankings that attract people to the state. The year before, Forbes listed Portland as the #1 most livable city in America (take that, New York!) and in 2011, Cumberland County was ranked in the top 10 by Businessweek as of one of the best affordable places to live across the country (again, take that New York!) Granted, these rankings are very southern-Maine centric. But here's a ranking that is state-wide and pretty rockin':
This month, Rock the Vote released its first ever scorecard that measured states on their state laws and voting systems. For those of you who don't remember days without apps and iphones, Rock the Vote began 20 years ago airing public service announcements (PSAs) on music entertainment TV stations like MTV, VH1 and BET. Their mission is to engage and build political power for young voters.
According to Rock the Vote, Maine is a pretty rockin' place to be when it comes to voting laws that encourage young voter participation. Of all 50 states, Maine is tied at lucky number 7.
Young voters can determine the fate of elections (can you say, President Obama?) and are important to advancing important environmental protections. Laws that support young voter participation create a better democratic system.
Maine may not be #1 in this ranking but it ain't #50 either. Of course, Rock the Vote based this report on laws before the session ended. With the passage of LD 1376, same-day voter registration was repealed. We'll see next year if Maine's back in the top 10 when it comes to voting.
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