After months of hearing the politicking that’s taken place, largely related to the governor’s race and Question 1 on the ballot, voters will finally get to let their voices be known at the polls.

And the stakes have never been higher.

The choice we make for governor has never been more important, as the state forges ahead in these uncertain times of rising costs, declining infrastructure and the fight to right the economy — and divided politics.

In the last 12 years, as the national political scene splintered even more into extremes, the shift in Maine has mirrored that — going against the normal current of bipartisanship and collaboration for which the state had been known. While the late night fodder has been everpresent, it’s the fractured relationship between our legislators and the Blaine House that is more troubling. When government can’t work together, it certainly doesn’t work well enough to give its citizenry what it deserves.

That being said, the conversations about the upcoming vote have been disconcerting, and voters shold give careful consideration to the power they hold when they cast their ballots. Residents should think about how they will base their decision regarding who should lead Maine forward for the next four years.

Will it be the political party listed next to the candidate’s name? Or will it be on what’s best for the state going forward?

The thing that creates a great deal of concern is the sense that the letter matters more than the future of Maine. Those on both sides of the political spectrum — Democrats and Republicans — have voiced their resistance to not voting along the party line, for fear of “the other guy” winning.

Not that “their guy” is best for Maine, but because “the other guy” is definitely not.

What’s not being said is that thirdparty guy, the indepdendent, is bad for the state — just that he’s bad for the party candidates, particularly the Democrat.

And this is a problem, because when you cast your vote, it should be for the person who will do the best job leading Maine in the coming years. If you look beyond politics, beyond the partisan bickering, beyond the spin, insults and shouting, ask yourself who really will do the best job in the Blaine House.

The answer is clear — it’s Eliot Cutler.

Beyond the criticisms of Gov. Paul LePage’s careless comments and Tea Party mindset, of U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud’s quiet record and changing points of view, Cutler rises above both as the man with plans to get the state on the right track.

Many have called for Cutler to drop out of the race, saying he’s going to spoil the race for Michaud. A few have considered the possibility of his impact on LePage’s run for reelection. Perhaps, though, the situation should be looked at from a third point-of-view: The other two candidates are spoiling the race for the people of Maine.

In the rough economic waters and crashing partisan politics, we need someone who can truly work with both parties to enact policy that will guide the state through the turbulence. We need someone with concrete economic plans, with a long-range vision for the direction Maine needs to go to ensure its stability in the future.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines courage as having the “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” It’s time for the people of Maine to use their strength to not be swayed by the letter and the courage to vote based on what’s best for our future.

On Election Day, the best choice for governor — the courageous choice — is Eliot Cutler.