Given the intensity of what was surely Maine’s longest campaign season – these races started, when, late 2000? – the pricey ballot questions and the numerous issues of local concern, no potential voter should need added incentive to get to the polls. But for those who do, consider that Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is one of only a handful nationally where the outcome is too close even to predict in a House where the Republican-Democratic split is perilously narrow. Want to help determine the direction of Congress for the next two years? Vote today.

Maine not only has the close congressional race to consider, but a Senate matchup between incumbent Susan Collins and challenger Chellie Pingree, a congressional race that in the 1st District pits Rep. Tom Allen against Steven Joyce and an extremely important four-way race for governor, with John Baldacci, Jonathan Carter, Peter Cianchette and John Michael.

This last race to replace Angus King, who is stopped by term limits from running again, has been made especially interesting by the dismal condition of the state budget. The race has been defined as a question of who can best balance the demands on state services with the available taxes, who can steer Maine most responsibly on the bumpy road ahead. Whoever is chosen, voters will hear extensively about his plans and achievements over the next four, if not eight years. It would be better to cast a ballot today than blame yourself for not even troubling when so much over several years is at stake.

As important as the gubernatorial race is, however, there is a further reason for voters going to the polls. Congress, in record-setting gridlock that could last through the end of November, knows that low turnout indicates voters are willing to let politicians get away with a lot, that people generally do not care if a major spending bill is held up for months as a hundred petty projects are tacked on or the minutiae are debated to death. A high voter turnout shows something else entirely – not only do voters care about the issues, but they are willing to do something about them: potentially provide a mandate to the incumbent or find someone else to get the job done.

Voter turnout tells politicians how serious the electorate is about the pressing issues of the day. Maine’s turnout traditionally has been good only relative to other states, which often are laggardly. Today, voters can make Maine’s turnout look good by any measure, and if that does not move them to the polls, they can think how much fun it would be to cast the vote that shaped the Congress.