In the Nov. 3 edition of this newspaper, Local and State section, five legislative races – in Portland, Falmouth, Buxton, Alfred and Sanford – were profiled.

In four of five races, Democratic candidates stated their priorities and positions on key issues of concern to voters (the Buxton race was the exception). Their Republican opponents refused the paper’s request for information about their candidacies. This appeared to be a trend for Republican candidates in this election cycle. Why did the four Republican candidates refuse to share their priorities, economic concerns, position on Maine’s abortion laws and confirm that President Biden won the 2020 election fairly?

Why were they afraid to disclose their views to the public as candidates have always done in this non-partisan forum? I think we know.

A fundamental tenet of democracy is a clear understanding of issues and concerns of the voting public. By failing to participate, these candidates undermined an informed electorate.

Barbara Shaw
Falmouth