Maine Memo — November 2

November 2, 2020 President's Messages

Tomorrow is Election Day, one of the most significant and symbolic days in a democracy. It was only 55 years ago that not everyone in our society had the right to vote. Today, I am ever-mindful of the importance of this basic right, and how hard-earned it has been and continues to be for so many.

I hope that either you have already voted or will do so tomorrow.

Every presidential election is historic for the same reason. The people of our country, every four years, speak to determine the leadership of our nation. There is a way in which we need to be in awe of, and respectful of, this important right that we have in the United States — in advance of, during and following the election.

I wish to thank all who have been and will be a part of a safe and peaceful Election Day and the days following it at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias. Our colleagues in Student Life, including the Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Centers — both UMaine and UMM, the Rainbow Resource Center and the Intersectional Feminist Resource Center, as well as the Office of International Programs, are offering programming and additional office hours. The UMaine UVote initiative has been excellent. Our safety personnel, the Emergency Operations Committee, and the UMaine Police Department are here for support and safety for all.

Our chancellor has written a thoughtful statement on voting and democracy in part based on his own experience as a twice-elected governor of Connecticut. (See it here.)

I also thank our faculty members who have been discussing our history, democracy, policy and political process in courses and seminars, and who will continue to do so over the coming days and weeks. The higher education communities — students, faculty, staff and stakeholders — form a force for the future of our democracy. Our enlightened, safe and thoughtful enactment of this most fundamental of our rights, and to the rights to peaceful assembly and the freedom of speech, further the power and impact of that democracy.