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Elections are always complex. Now they have been made fraught. Outcomes have always been anxiety making. Now we are forced to contend with the process itself. Mainers vote. In fact, we are consistently a leader in the nation in voter participation.
Until recently, protecting and facilitating our citizens’ voting rights was a bipartisan effort. In the past years, our governor, secretary of state, and attorney general have had to join other “blue state” officials in going to court to protect the privacy of our own voter data and our state’s right to conduct elections.
Conducting elections has always presented logistical challenges. Now it presents personal danger — from a riled up and resentful minority of Americans and the full force of a federal government ruled by a party desperately running scared of losing its majority.
Behind the scenes, there are our neighbors working to facilitate a regular process and reliable results, as they always have. They have always been on the frontlines, now they are in the crosshairs of especially nasty voter suppression efforts.
We here in Maine are fortunate in election officials and workers faithful to our national and state constitutions, to their oaths, to their mission, and to our communities. For the good of the nation and us all. They deserve our admiration, support, and protection.
As early voting begins, and the weeks culminate in Election Day, let us honor our hard won rights and our brave neighbors’ hard work — with our full and respectful participation.
Annlinn Kruger
Bar Harbor