Voting Day

For months, the experts have been predicting a record low turnout today because Maine voters are: A) appalled at the president’s behavior; B) repelled by the investigation of that behavior; or C) uninspired by the ho-hum campaigns for governor and Congress. Disgust, backlash or boredom — choose your excuse.

But before you sit this one out, consider just a couple of recent examples of the degree to which every vote counts.

In 1996, the six closest races for the Maine Legislature were decided by a total of just 100 votes — 100 votes that gave Democrats the majority in the State House.

On Feb. 10 of this year, Maine voted on a gay-rights law. One side, enjoying a huge lead in opinion polls, stayed home. The other side voted. They won.

The opinion polls strongly suggest that the gubernatorial and congressional votes won’t be close. Those who favor the favorites should vote partly to give their candidates the largest possible mandate, partly to avoid being part of a major embarrassment.

Those who support the underdogs have an even more compelling reason to vote. Many of these candidates have worked hard, they have brought forward important issues and worthwhile views with eloquence and energy. Maine needs such people in its public life and they should be encouraged; there will be other elections. Besides, miracles can happen.

Then, of course, there is an entirely new Legislature to elect. The Maine Legislature has more impact upon Maine’s future than the White House or Congress and — just guessing here — chances are that not one candidate for the State House had anything to do with Monica Lewinsky or Kenneth Starr. The same goes for selectmen, county commissioners and sheriffs.

Besides candidates, there are important issues to be decided. Statewide, there is a referendum research and development investment. Hampden is voting on zoning amendments that affect not only the town’s relationship with the Sawyer Environmental Recovery Facility but the solid-waste disposal more than 200 Maine communities. Newport will take a stand on topless lawnmowing.

Maine has long been proud of its tradition of high voter turnout, of leading the nation or at least of being near the top. Participation in the 55-60 percent range might be good enough for a national title, but it’s nothing to crow about. In Democracy 101, it’s a failing grade. And if the projections of a turnout in the neighborhood of 40 percent today are even close to accurate, Maine suddenly becomes just another state where apathy is the majority party.

Today, by law, is Election Day. Whether motivated by a particular candidate, an issue, a sense of civic responsibility or merely a desire to prove the experts wrong, make it Voting Day as well.