As the polls opened early this morning, thousands of candidates and their supporters awoke early for a day full of hand shaking and that final chance to make an impression on voters.
Now, people just need to vote.
Here in Maine, we have a major change before us, Question 1 asks whether to allow same-sex marriage. Along with same-sex marriage, we have a handful of bond issues and many races for the state Legislature and the race for Olympia Snowe’s U.S. Senate seat.
Election Day is a special day, and although much of the region is dealing with destruction left in Hurricane Sandy’s wake, much of Maine made it through relatively unscathed. And because of our good fortune and the devastation that will keep many from casting a ballot today, we urge Mainers to make their voices heard and let others know that we take the right to vote seriously.
As others will likely have to deal with no electricity, transportation issues and finding shelter and food, many of them will exercise their right to vote because of its importance and because they hold the privilege in high regard. Which is why all Mainers who are eligible to do so should take the time to consider these important issues and legislative seats as well as who will be the next president. In addition to all the usual reasons, Mainers should make it to the polls to show solidarity with those who are struggling in New York, New Jersey and beyond.
The issues and candidates in Maine will have long-term impacts on state, region and country.
The Journal Tribune Editorial Board has voiced its support for the same-sex marriage initiative and the state bond questions, but regardless of where our readers stand on the issues, we urge you all to vote.
The right to vote is paramount in any democracy and a principle for which many Americans have fought since the birth of this country. It is a right, but it’s also a privilege that we hope all Mainers will continue to value and respect.
Make Election Day count, and get to your polling station today.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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