Maine consistently ranks high in voter turnout and that is a good thing. Voting is the single most important right that Americans have and Mainers show their respect for that right by exercising it time and again. Our armed forces lay their lives on the line protecting this and other rights.

With all the flag waving going on these days, it is disturbing that there has been no national public effort at all to emphasize the importance of all Americans completing the civic duty to vote. Such a movement must include common- sense ideas making it easier for Americans to vote. There should be a national holiday for voting. Why not couple it with the Fourth of July?

Mike McGonigle

Bangor