Elections going forward may look very different statewide due to new measures that could radically change who does and doesn’t get to vote in Maine.

CBS 13 reports that one major effort, mainly pushed by Republicans, is to require photo ID for voters before heading to the ballot box. Supporters say the effort aims to ensure safe and secure elections for Mainers, while opponents of the bills claim they’ll end up suppressing voters.

The requirement has been estimated by the Secretary of State’s office to cost around $1 million for the equipment and process needed to check IDs.

The other major effort involves lowering the minimum age to vote down from 18 to 16 years old. This effort has been backed by the League of Women Voters of Maine, who released a study in 2023 saying that 16-year-olds have enough civic and political knowledge to participate in local elections, and that the overall voting turnout will increase.

Opponents say that teens haven’t developed enough judgement for other things like buying guns or signing contracts and shouldn’t be allowed to vote as a result.

The photo ID question will be appearing on the ballot this November due to a citizen’s petition. If the measure regarding voting age passes through the house, voters will have to approve the change before it gets signed into the Maine constitution.