Voting & Public Service
Mainers have a proud tradition of being among the most active and
involved voters in the country. Election after election, our residents go to
the polls in large numbers, which results in voter turnout rates that are rank
among the highest in the nation. In the 2004 general election, Mainers set a
new record for voter turnout in our state. Nearly 74-percent of the state’s
voting age population exercised one of their most fundamental and significant
rights as American citizens – the right to vote.
From state referenda to presidential elections, Mainers have shown that
civic involvement is a right they value and a responsibility they take
seriously.
Yet, there are still many people who believe that what goes on in
Congress or the Statehouse, or even in town and city halls is beyond their
control. But that is truly not the case. In a democracy, the people are the
government and those who govern answer to the people.
If you ever think that your vote does not count, just remember a few
examples of one vote making all the difference: One vote elected Thomas
Jefferson president in 1800 when his election was decided in the House of
Representatives; when the electoral college votes were counted in 1877, one
vote elected Rutherford B. Hayes to the presidency; and one vote in each
instance admitted Texas, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington to be part
of the United States.
It seems incredible to us today that American women were not allowed to
vote until 1925. The Voting Rights Act, which strengthened voting rights for
all Americans regardless of race or color, was adopted in 1965. And the 26th
Amendment, which gave 18-year olds the right to vote, was passed in 1971.
This year, the federal government reauthorized important provisions of
the historic Voting Rights Act to protect the voting rights of all Americans.
I was proud to cosponsor the legislation that was signed into law by the
President. Specifically, The Voting Rights Reauthorization Act prohibits the
enactment of any election law that would deny or abridge voting rights based
on race, color, or membership in a minority language. It also allows private
citizens and the government to challenge discriminatory voting practices and
procedures.
Year after year, hundreds of Mainers also participate in the political
process by running for office in Federal, State, or Local government. A
recent study by the Center for American Women and Politics found that a record
number of women are running for legislative offices at the State level than
ever before. In Maine, the number of women candidates for election to the
House of Representatives is up this year to 95 female candidates, compared to
78 women two years ago.
I was fortunate to have had very strong role models who taught me the
importance of public service at a very young age. My family has a strong
tradition of public service. My parents were both involved in state and local
politics and taught me the value of civic participation.
Former Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith was also an inspiration to me.
I had the good fortune to meet Senator Smith at that time of life when young
people are figuring out who they are and what they want to become. We talked
for nearly two hours in her office in Washington, D.C., discussing many
important issues, and she took the time to answer many, many questions. In
addition to her inspiring words, she made me realize that women could do
anything they desire to do.
This is the kind of inspiration that I also hope to pass on to young
Mainers across the state—young women and men alike. That is why one of my
favorite jobs as a U.S. Senator is to visit schools and talk to students about
my experiences. I also delight in hosting Maine students who visit the
Capitol as part of the United States Senate Youth Program and National Young
Leaders Conference. Both programs introduce students to government leaders
and give them first-hand experience in how government works.
Our political system will thrive only if each generation takes up the
cause of participatory government. Public service is one of the best means by
which a citizen can demonstrate his or her commitment to the greater public
good. Voting is one of our most valuable tools as American citizens to make
our voices heard. We should be proud of the great tradition of civic
involvement that Mainers demonstrate with every election, both as candidates
for public office and active and informed voters.
