FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2005
Contact: Doug Dunbar
(207) 626-8404

Secretary of State Dunlap Urges Citizen Participation
in Upcoming Election

Information and Services Available Online and through the Department of the Secretary of State

AUGUSTA, MAINE – With less than four weeks remaining until the November 8, 2005 referendum election, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is urging all eligible Maine residents to learn about the questions that will appear on the ballot, to make sure they are registered to vote and to cast a ballot either in-person or through the absentee voting process.  In calling for maximum participation, Secretary Dunlap noted that Maine has a well-earned reputation for outstanding civic engagement and voter turnout.

“As a consistent leader in voter turnout, the State of Maine is recognized nationally for the importance its residents place on civic responsibility.  Although referendum elections typically don't attract as many voters as general elections, the people of Maine nonetheless have an opportunity to once again demonstrate their commitment to democracy and the electoral process,” Dunlap commented.

Dunlap explained that the Department of the Secretary of State has developed a Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election, in partnership with the Department of the Attorney General and the State Treasurer's Office.  It provides detailed information about the 7 questions, including 5 bond issues, that will appear on Maine 's statewide ballot.  The Citizen's Guide is available online by visiting the Secretary of State's website (www.maine.gov/sos).  Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Secretary of State through e-mail ( SOSOffice@maine.gov ) or by calling Maine 's Elections Division at 624-7650.

Information about registering to vote and the absentee voting process is also available online ( www.maine.gov/sos ), through e-mail ( SOSOffice@maine.gov ) or by calling the Elections Division.  Dunlap reminded Maine residents that eligible individuals can register to vote until, and including , Election Day.  He pointed out that during the final 20 days leading up to the November 8 th election, registration must be completed in person before the municipal registrar of voters—usually located at the town office or city hall.

Additionally, in order to increase access to information about government and the election process, the Secretary of State's office worked with other agencies and organizations to create Maine 's eDemocracy website ( http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/index.html ).  It provides substantial resources for all citizens, and may be especially useful for students, educators and new residents of Maine.  It can be easily accessed by visiting www.Maine.gov .

“With seven important questions on Maine 's ballot this November, and a variety of local issues and candidate races also being decided, voters have every reason to take part.  Every person and community in our state will be impacted in some way by the outcome of this election.  No one should sit it out.  I encourage everyone to participate,” Dunlap concluded.

REFERENDUM ELECTION VOTER TURNOUT HISTORY 1971 TO DATE

YEAR	EST. VOTING AGE POPULATION	TOP QUESTION ON BALLOT	VOTES CAST FOR TOP QUESTION	% TURNOUT V.AP.
1971	601,000	Repeal Income Tax	253,654	42.21
1973	692,000	Maine Power Authority Act	247,125	35.71
1975	723,000	UM Dormitory Bond	149,203	20.64
1977	759,000	Repeal Property Tax	219,735	28.95
1979	791,000	Repeal Bottle Bill	268,167	33.90
1981	811,000	Bridge & Highway Bonds	235,000	28.98
1983	829,000	Repeal Moose Hunt	306,728	37.00
1985	854,000	Radioactive Waste Storage	172,491	20.20
1987	893,000	Maine Yankee	397,791	44.55
1989	918,926	Cruise Missile Testing	234,929	25.57
1991	929,809	Sensible Transportation Act	381,138	40.99
1993	934,105	Term Limits	236,517	25.32
1995	943,797	Limit Human Rights	415,500	44.02
1997	944,785	Maine Turnpike/Forest Compact	347,178	36.75
1999	962,601	Abortion/Medical Marijuana	417,654	43.39
2001	983,016	Affordable Housing Bond	218,779	22.25
2003	1,015,406	Casino	517,083	50.92

 

 

 

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