Voting day

Maine prides itself on being among the top states in the country for voter turnout. Given the declining numbers here and across the nation, it’s a distinction increasingly earned by default — Maine’s average of less than 38 percent for off-year referendum votes is hardly laudable.

It’s hard to look at today’s nine-question state ballot and imagine apathy as the response. Question 1, partial birth abortion, addresses one of the most emotional issues facing society. Question 2, medical marijuana, touches everyone who has dealt with the terminal illness of a family member or loved one, or who has strong views about illegal drugs and drug policy. Question 7, the $50 million land bond, is about much more than money; it’s about the ongoing clash between advocates for public land purchases and defenders of property rights.

The remaining bond questions — $56 million for transportation, $12.5 million for environmental protection, $9.4 million for public television and $26.4 million for technical colleges — are decisions that will greatly affect Maine’s future. The final two questions, constitutional amendments on the timing of peoples’ veto votes and on a tax break for historic or scenic properties, are important if for no other reason than the fact that amending the constitution is always a serious business. Municipal and county ballots contain important referendum questions and elections for local offices.

Rather than look at the absence of statewide office elections as a reason to stay home, Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky suggests the public consider the issues-only focus of today’s ballot as a worthwhile reminder that running a society is more than a popularity contest. “These things (the referendum questions) will have a potentially longer-lasting impact than any candidate,” he correctly observes.

Political scientists, here and elsewhere, often blame the decline in voter participation on the robust economy and the lack of international conflict causing people to focus more intently upon their personal lives. Advocates for particular causes are increasingly outspoken in their wishes for a low turnout by all except those who support their cause. This cynical trend has devastating implications, but it’s one that can be reversed with something as simple as a trip to the polls.