AUGUSTA – Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap reminds Mainers of a program highlighting the value of our democratic system and the sacrifices made by many Americans to preserve our democracy.

“Vote in Honor of a Veteran” provides Mainers with a button personalized with the name of a veteran the voter wants to recognize for sacrifices made to ensure our important freedoms, Dunlap said in a press release. In its first year, more 10,000 residents honored someone who had served, or is serving, in the military.

Personalized buttons may be ordered online or by mail. An online order form may be submitted at www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voterinfo/veteran/order.html. Printed order forms may be mailed to the Secretary of State’s office, 148 State House Station, Augusta 04333. All orders submitted by Monday, Oct. 27, are guaranteed for delivery on or before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.

“Our right to self-governance has been protected from the beginning by America’s servicemen and women,” Dunlap said, “so it makes sense to remember our veterans when heading to the polls on Election Day. ‘Vote in Honor of a Veteran’ is a gesture of respect, a simple way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have given so much to preserve our rights, including the right to vote.”