Our View: Voting today offers chance to impact state's future
Staying home, however, puts important choices in everyone else's hands.
If Secretary of State Matt Dunlap's prediction holds true, only about 20 percent of Maine voters will either show up at the polls today or vote absentee in this year's primaries and referendum balloting.
That's in contrast to Mainers' behavior in general elections, where the state consistently ranks among the highest in the nation in percentage of eligible voters casting ballots.
In some years, more than three-quarters of eligible voters cast ballots in presidential elections in November.
Part of the lack of participation may be structural: If you're not registered in a party, you can't vote in that party's primaries.
But many people could well have an interest in a primary vote, because of the fact that Mainers will be picking a new governor this year, the most significant state post affecting Maine's future.
Given that, while it is too late under state law to switch parties if you are enrolled in one, unenrolled voters -- "independents" -- can register with a party right at the polls and then unenroll again three months down the road.
And all voters can cast ballots on local issues and the statewide referendum ballot, which not only includes four significant bond issues but an up-or-down vote on Question 1, an effort to repeal a law that would make major changes in the state's tax code.
In that context, note that, as of as of June 1, independents made up the largest voting bloc among Maine registered voters, with 385,388.
Democrats are next with 329,610. Republicans have 270,601 and Green Independents 34,398.
Too many people around the world would love to have the opportunity that, if Dunlap's forecast is right, 80 percent of us may ignore today.
So there's no reason not to vote, and at least five very good reasons -- the ballot questions -- to make the effort.
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Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
10 COMMENTS
MaineHiker said...
There are no compelling arguments for industrial wind-turbine power development from any scientific point of view. Such claims are total lies made by political and wind industry criminals.
June 8, 2010 at 1:02 AM Report abuse
MrsPeal said...
VOTE YES on Question 1! Maine needs tax reform, but LD 1495 is NOT the way to go. Voting YES will repeal a bad bill and leave time to craft one that makes sense for Maine...without raping the populace.
June 8, 2010 at 2:18 AM Report abuse
heyjoe said...
I'll be voting YES on 1 and no on all bonds!!!! Don't dig the future Mainers a deeper hole....
June 8, 2010 at 5:26 AM Report abuse
LadyHawk said...
MaineHiker having done some research into this I am going to agree with you. This is one of those feel good look at what we are doing ideas. For the record I am get to look over what I call a non mill which is located in Saco. It does not and has not produced any energy and is a total eyesore. Vote YES on Question Yes I will be voting YES Mrs. Peal you make sense as in dollars and cents.
June 8, 2010 at 5:32 AM Report abuse
Jeevz said...
The Maine Green Independent Party recommends voting YES on 1. Read our entire voter guide at: www.MaineGreens.org
June 8, 2010 at 7:44 AM Report abuse
youknowit said...
Yes on one, no on all bonds.
June 8, 2010 at 8:17 AM Report abuse
weatherfreak said...
I voted at 7:00am. There were about 20 people in line in front of me. And when I exited the polling place, many people were heading in. I think the 20% turnout prediction may be a bit low.
June 8, 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse
common_cents said...
The buzz at the polls I just left was 'YES' on ONE...mmm....mmm....mmmmm!
June 8, 2010 at 10:33 AM Report abuse
louisH2Ovill said...
Support the 'Maine Miracle' as the Wall Street Journal called the tax reform package, by voting NO on ONE. And save the state's money by also voting NO on TWO. the OFFshore wind boondoggle that business won't touch with a barge pole!
June 8, 2010 at 1:27 PM Report abuse
MICKEY1947 said...
Based on the outcome of the govenors race the person who gets the endorcement of "MAINE TODAY MEDIA" is so screwed.
June 9, 2010 at 2:13 AM Report abuse