Dear Editor:

Having read Mary Brewer's comments on voting (March 26 issue), I completely agree with her.

To me, voting is a citizen's obligation. I have always maintained that everyone does vote. Those that choose not to cast a ballot are voting for the winners and thereby forfeit the right to validly criticize the folks in office. That does not mean they lose the right to free speech, just that their negative comments on political and social events governed by political action have far less validity then comments by those who do exercise their right and obligation to voice their opinions at the ballot box.

One suggestion in addition to Mary's comments is that we in the United States might consider weekend days as election days. For example, in Germany, elections are on Sunday when the vast majority of voters are more available to and given the turnout results do vote. Those who are employed on election day should be able to vote in advance as happens here in Maine, as do many other who also vote in advance.

In too many states, voting laws of late have been amended that discourage the vote, often for political advantage of one political party over another. The record of voter fraud is so thin in this country that reasoning is frankly incorrect. After all, this is not the age of the political machine, as in the distant past, where such actions did occur and are now history given the media attention to such antics. This trend of voter infringement needs to change. However, mandatory voting is not the answer.

While certainly not critical of those nations that have made voting mandatory, the concept of such action in this country is contrary to our way of doing things. Freedom of choice does remain part of our culture.

Mike Loewe

Boothbay