As a long-time Maine lawyer, resident, and Board Member and Officer of the Ladder to the Moon Network, I urge readers who are eligible to register to vote in Maine to do so now if you have not already. We have important primary elections on June 9 all across Maine, and the general elections on November 3. As explained by the State, you may register and vote if you are a U.S. citizen; are at least 18 years of age to vote, except that in primary elections you may vote if you are 17 but will be 18 by the general election); and have established and maintain a voting residence in the municipality (i.e. city, town, plantation or unorganized township) where you seek to register.” Students can vote as well if they meet the citizenship, age and resident rules.
Many people choose not to vote; that is unfortunate in our democracy, and I hope those who care will properly register to vote and then do so, either by absentee ballot or in person on election day. This is not a Republican vs Democrat issue; past U.S. Presidents regardless of party have emphasized the importance of this constitutional right.
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First from Democratic President Lyndon Johnson: “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by human beings for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison people because they are different from others.” Likewise from Republican President Ronald Reagan: “The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.”
The right to vote is powerful; use that right well, and in every election that comes around.
Jeff Thaler, Portland, Maine
