For years I've been increasingly concerned by the number of Americans who don't bother to vote.  They have excuses like "it's just an off-year election," "my one vote doesn't count" or "why bother? Both sides are useless."  It's hard to get through the message that voting is both your most precious right and your duty.  It's the only thing that can keep a democracy going. It's not a spectator sport. You're meant to be an active participant.

 

This year I'm doing a little something about it: Organizing a short open house, a nonpartisan forum for information, called VOTING: WHO-WHAT-WHEN-WHERE-WHY, an informal opportunity for people from anywhere to stop in, get questions answered, learn about early voting in person (where it has already begun in Maine), pick up literature on candidates both Dem and GOP, fill out a voter registration card, chat with new friends and have some free lunchtime sandwiches, snacks and beverages.

 

It's all happening in the Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational Church, 55 Elm St., Camden, Friday, October 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Stop in any time. All welcome, including children and well behaved leashed dogs.

 

To volunteer an hour of help, call 350-1020.

 

Ruth Monsell lives in Camden