In February, we celebrate Presidents Day and honor two of the most well-known presidents in American history: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Last month, while I was reflecting on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 riots in Washington, D.C., I turned to Washington and Lincoln. Although America is very divided in 2022, both Washington and Lincoln were under enormous pressure to unite the country they led in their own times.

Susan Deschambault Courtesy photo

In Washington’s case, he had to contend with fierce regionalism and the rise of political parties that sorely stressed the boundaries and loyalties of the young republic. Benjamin Franklin’s famous call for the Thirteen Colonies to “unite or die” seemed to have been forgotten.

Then, Lincoln, of course, led the nation through the Civil War that literally turned brother against brother and North against South. His call for Americans “to bind up the nation’s wounds” has inspired generations of Americans dedicated to promoting the common good and serving the public interest. During those challenging trials, American democracy was delicate and fragile. But the calm, resolute and steady leadership those men displayed helped save the Union.

Although America is not being tested like it was during its founding or the Civil War, it still has its own challenges in our time. Now, just as it was then, leadership by one individual isn’t enough. No one person can save us. Instead, it takes many of us – my colleagues and my constituents – to speak out, stand up and protect something that we all have a shared stake in: American democracy.

That’s why I’m proud of the work we accomplished to strengthen our democracy in Maine. There’s nothing more American or more patriotic than citizens having free and unfettered access to the ballot box, so that they can make their voices heard.

Last session, the Legislature took several steps to protect and strengthen our democracy. First off, we closed loopholes in campaign finance laws that allowed candidates to enrich themselves by using political action committees as slush funds for their personal expenses. We also banned corporate contributions in state elections so that special interests can’t drown out the voices of everyday Mainers.

We made permanent some of the changes to elections and voting that became necessary during the pandemic: We made permanent secure ballot drop boxes and the new online absentee ballot tracking system; and we provided more help for clerks who work hard to ensure our elections run smoothly. It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway – the more people who can participate in our elections the better. That’s how democracy works, folks.

For the remainder of my term in the Legislature, I promise to keep cherishing and defending our democracy in Maine. I’ll continue to oppose bills that would make it more difficult for Mainers to vote, and I’ll support measures that would improve how we conduct our elections.

It’s an honor to represent you in Augusta. If you need assistance, or want to share your comments and concerns, please contact me.

Susan Deschambault represents Senate District 32, Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman. She can be reached at Susan.Deschambault@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515.