Tuesday Nov. 6 is Election Day and there are several important items on the ballot that could affect the people of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The first is the proposed contract zone for the Tides Inn in Kennebunkport that would allow public beach access at Goose Rocks Beach and also allow the construction of public restrooms.
    Kennebunkport residents will also be asked to approve a revaluation of the town as many residents are not paying enough taxes on their property while some are paying too much. In Kennebunk residents will be asked to approve funds to help Intervale Road residents who have been negatively impacted by two recent flooding events.
    I’m sure the people of these two towns don’t need to be reminded that their vote counts and the outcome of these decisions could affect the two towns for years to come. Just in case here’s a few quick facts about elections that were decided by a single vote.
    In 1645 one vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England. In 1176 one vote decided that the new American colonies would speak English and not German. In 1800 one vote in the Electoral College gave Thomas Jefferson the presidency over Aaron Burr. In 1845 one vote brought the state of Texas into the Union. In 1868 one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment. In 1876 one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic. In 1923 one vote gave Adolph Hitler control of the Nazi party and in 1649 one vote allowed Charles the first of England to be executed. These single votes changed the course of history.
    For anyone who thinks their vote doesn’t matter, this proves otherwise. If you don’t want a contract zone in Kennebunkport you better vote. If you are in favor of a contract zone in Kennebunkport you better vote. Think you’re paying too much in property taxes? Vote. Voting is a right we’ve been given in order to have a say in how the places we choose to live our run.
    To not use this right is a travesty. For more facts about voting visit www.votecaster.org.