Voting is strongest tool in a democracy 

To the Editor;

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, Maine has the highest number of registered voters as a percentage of the state’s population (77%) when compared to all of the other states. We also earn high marks for voter participation in primary and general elections. Yet, in the 2018 midterm election, statewide voter turnout was only 59%. Is that considered a good turnout?! What does it say about us as citizens when more than a third of us won’t even weigh in on the shaping of our State and Federal governments?

Our vote is our strongest tool in a democracy. Prepare now for the upcoming primary and general elections. If you have not done so, register to vote or check with your municipal clerk to confirm your voter registration and party affiliation. Also, everyone should request an application form to receive an absentee ballot so you can safely vote from home in this uncertain time of COVID-19. An application can be printed and mailed or made online from the Secretary of State’s website at maine.gov, found under the headers Elections & Voting/ Voter Information/Absentee Voting. 

Eric Boothroyd

Dover-Foxcroft