Still recovering from the weekend time change? Can’t get motivated? Try voting! There’s no better way to reinvigorate the democratic republic in you than to cast a vote for a worthy candidate or against one who didn’t impress. Want another reason? Your neighbor, or maybe even your spouse, may have voted already, and you don’t want to be left out.
Voting is simple but important. If you are registered, you just need to show up at your local polling place. Don’t know where it is? You can look it up on the Secretary of State’s web page under Voter Registration Data.
Not registered? Bring identification and head to the polls. Maine is one of 11 states that allow you to register on Election Day. Even if there is a problem with your registration, you still can vote under Maine’s challenged ballot law, so there’s no reason to leave a polling place without having your say.
Without races for Congress or the Blaine House this year and just a few legislative special elections, Secretary of State Matt Dunlap predicts turnout to be just 13-20 percent. But there are important local and statewide questions to be decided.
Question 1 on the state ballot seeks to increase funding for candidates who use the state’s Clean Election system. It would also heighten contribution disclosure requirements and fines for campaign finance violations.
There are also two borrowing questions. Question 2 seeks $15 million to construct much-needed housing for Maine’s seniors. Question 3 is the perennial transportation bond; this time it’s worth $85 million for much-needed work on Maine’s bridges, roads, ports and other transportation infrastructure.
Don’t know much about these questions? The Secretary of State’s Office has a voter’s guide on its website. Look under upcoming elections.
Voters in Lewiston have endured a nasty mayoral race and now get to choose who leads their city. Residents of Portland are voting on a mayor and referendums on a $15 local minimum wage and development restrictions. Many communities have town council or selectmen seats up for grabs. In Bangor, seven candidates are vying for three open seats on the City Council. Three candidates are seeking two open school committee seats.
Several groups will be gathering signatures at polling places, hoping to get their issues, including marijuana legalization, expanded gun background checks, income tax cuts and welfare restrictions, on the ballot for future elections.
Many of your friends and neighbors likely already have had their say. Don’t simply burden your friends with your opinion — make it official at your polling place.
