By David Farmer,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Maine 17-year-olds will be able to vote in Tuesday’s primary, a first in the state’s political history.

A 2004 law expanded voting eligibility in primaries to those teenagers who will turn 18 before November’s general election.

Although the law took effect in 2005, this year’s primary election is the first time the law will apply. Like all other Mainers, the 17-year-olds can register to vote on Election Day.

“Expanding the right to vote will help grow a new generation of dedicated citizens and hopefully, lifelong voters,” said state Rep. Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, an original proponent of the law. “Our democracy is dependent on our active engagement, and I hope this new law will help send a message about the importance of using our voice in government and choosing our representation.”

Proof of identity and residency is required to register within nine days of election. If a person doesn’t present appropriate ID, he or she can still vote a challenged ballot, which can then be included in the total after further inquiry after the election.

According to Kathleen Montejo, the city clerk in Lewiston, there haven’t been droves of new voters registering for the Tuesday primary, regardless of age.

But she also said that many teenagers fill out registration cards as part of their government classes in high school and that the city processes those as the students reach eligible age.

Montejo added that there hasn’t been much interest in the primary from the perspective of her office. Fewer than 250 voters have turned in absentee ballots, she said, a small number for a statewide election.

Voters on Tuesday will choose between two Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate, three Republican candidates for governor and scores of local candidates.

According to Cummings’ office, a number of groups have been working to encourage young voters to participate in the vote, including YouthThink, Maine’s Citizenship Education Task Force and the secretary of state.

“This is a unique opportunity, and a chance to be one of the first young people to take advantage of the new law and exercise their right to vote,” said Cummings. “I think this election will send a very good message about how seriously our youth take their role as citizens.”