DON’T FORGET TO VOTE

With no races for governor or Congress, this off-year election is not likely to bring a lot of people to the polls. But the two bond questions on the statewide ballot will decide the fate of numerous road and water construction projects. Many municipalities have local offices and referendums on the ballot as well. The questions may be decided by slim margins, so turnout matters.

The secretary of state’s office predicts voter turnout to be only 15 to 20 percent, far less than during elections for governor, the Legislature or Congress. With nearly $500 million at stake, this is a shame.

Voting is simple but important. If you’re registered, you just need to show up at your local polling place. Your town office can tell you where that is if you have doubts. It couldn’t hurt to bring identification, though you shouldn’t need it. Not registered? No problem – bring identification and head for town hall – you may be able to vote there as well.

You don’t need to fill in every question on the ballot. If you don’t have a preference or aren’t comfortable with any other choices on a particular question, leave it blank. The rest of your ballot still counts. (If, by the way, you make a mistake on a ballot, you can ask for another.)

If you want more information on the statewide questions, go to the secretary of state’s Web page (www.maine.gov/sos/) or the state’s eDemocracy Web site (www.maine.gov/portal/government/ edemocracy/) for answers.

On the statewide ballot, Question 1 asks if you favor the state borrowing nearly $133 million for improvements to highway, bridges, airports, public transit facilities, ferry and port facilities, including port and bicycle and pedestrian trails. The state would be eligible for over $260 million in federal and other matching funds.

Question 2 is another bond issue, this one for $18.3 million to support drinking water programs and the construction of wastewater treatment facilities. It would leverage $49.5 million in other funds.

Those who oppose government borrowing and spending are more likely to head to the polls to nix these measures than are those who support them. If you believe the bonds are for important infrastructure work, you’d better get there too.

Voting matters, and despite the recent loosening of times and places for voting, today is your last chance.

Don’t miss it.