Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Submitted photo

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows:

“Voting is fundamental to everything else we care about.

“School boards decide what is taught in schools. Town and county officials decide whether a road will be paved (and much more). State officials determine the laws on abortion and voting rights among many others.

“From the speed limit you drive on the way to school to the taxes taken out of your paycheck to even who you can legally marry, elected officials are making decisions on the issues that matter to you, whatever side of those issues you’re on, and voting shows to your elected representatives that you’re engaged, you’re paying attention, and that you care.

“And being engaged is especially important for Maine’s youngest voters, because the decisions made today will affect their lives and their communities for decades to come.”