I have sailed deep sea as a merchant mariner for more than a decade. My schedule has many challenges, often making it impossible for me to be home in November, but I have always done my best to do my civic duty and vote. I am so grateful that Maine has made it easy to […]
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editor of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
History of absentee ballot errors is reason to support Question 1 | Letter
Voting is important and a privilege. We hold the responsibility for our children and grandchildren for a future that is prosperous and free. Every year I receive voter information to register or apply absentee applications to vote for my grown children, who have not lived here for over 15 years; for the prior owner of […]
Voter ID is an important and necessary step for Maine | Letter
Although many believe that voter ID is a partisan issue, several polls suggest that is not the case. In at least one recent survey, it was found that 80% of Americans or more support requiring voting individuals to have a photo ID. Some recent studies show that voter ID laws do not reduce voter turnout. […]
Protect voting rights for all on Nov. 4 | Letter
Ballot Question 1 on voting infuriates me. The one time, in the last 40 years, that I didn’t vote was when the three days before the election limit was enacted. My work made it impossible to be home to vote on Election Day, and its demands kept me from going to get a ballot until […]
Why would we want to make voting more difficult? | Letter
The people who support Question 1 focus on the requirement to prove one’s identity at the polls. That is misleading. If people actually read the ballot, they will discover the proposition includes at least six different measures: one of them requires proof at identity at the polls; the others are designed to make it more […]
South Portland chemical stench must be addressed | Letter
I live at the Fore River end of Sawyer Street in Ferry Village, South Portland. In the morning, almost every morning, there is a petroleum smell in the air. It is distinct, unmistakable, foul and smells harmful. I would not go for a jog and breathe deeply. I do not know if it is related […]
Vote ‘Yes’ on 1 because every vote should be protected | Letter
Once I was registered, when I went to vote for the first time after moving to Maine 20-plus years ago, I was shocked to learn I wasn’t required to prove who I was in order to vote. I only needed to state my name and address. Maine’s process contrasts with the state I moved from, […]
Voter ID is about security, not exclusion | Letter
Maine’s elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, and ensuring their integrity is paramount. Requiring voter ID at the polls is a common-sense measure to protect the process, boost public confidence and deter potential fraud. Adding a straightforward ID requirement can further safeguard our votes without compromising access. Voter ID laws address a critical need: […]
US colleges should resist government interference | Letter
Inundated by negative news about how problematic American culture has become, it’s hard to escape the fact that the ultra-wealthy have assumed control — we are now a plutocracy. Billionaires now want to dictate how we are governed, how we are taught, who deserves opportunity, what religions are acceptable rather than let a dynamic marketplace […]
Thanks to all the letter writers | Letter
I just wanted to write to show how much I appreciate these letters to the editor. It’s my second favorite part of the paper (after the comics) and is like social media without the bad parts. I get to hear five opinions per day from literate people (real people, not AI), and those people aren’t […]