Last week's Question of the Week asked if readers thought Montana should retain same-day voter registration. The responses were pretty much split down the middle.

Among 451 responses to this unscientific survey, 231 were against same-day registration, while 220 favored it.

Some readers' comments:

- We live in a convenience loving society, but serious responsibilities usually are not so very convenient. To be able to vote responsibly, it is necessary to study current events and follow political developments from day to day. One cannot just show up on election day unprepared and expect to do justice to his solemn duty to be an informed voter. What is so hard about getting registered in timely fashion so that election judges know who is who on election day? Why should universal suffrage include unprepared dingbats?

- Whatever it takes to get people to the polls is worthwhile. Yes, we are a lazy lot when it comes to our responsibility and right, and yes, it was due to extraordinary circumstances that so many people voted the same day in the last election; however, the interest in voting may remain with those people and may inspire more to be attentive next time. If only 80 more people across Montana had voted last time, perhaps we would not have the less-than-admirable Legislature in Helena today.

- Voting is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. If a person cannot register to vote at least a few days in advance, why would we have confidence that they have taken the time to know the issues and candidates? Same day registration invites fraud.

- Yes. The more people who can participate in this process the better. Everyone should be encouraged to register and vote with no deadlines.

- No. We should close registration the Friday evening before election day. That allows sufficient time for the unregistered to become interested enough in issues and for election officials to print accurate poll books for election judges.