Angus King’s message about the value of a vote is rather shocking in view of his usually thoughtful public pronouncements (BDN story printed in the Sun Journal Nov. 4).

He basically said your vote will be wasted if you merely vote for someone you think is the most qualified candidate. Instead, you should consult the polls and vote for someone you don’t think is as qualified but who might beat a candidate you think would be even less so.

Huh? Your vote is wasted unless you know your candidate will win?

What does that say to voters in a democracy who back the candidates who lose?

I suppose, if you truly detest a particular candidate then you could use your vote to back someone you detest less. But who can predict with any accuracy how many supporters of a third party or independent candidate would otherwise not vote at all, or vote half-heartedly for a party candidate in numbers that might not favor either of them?

I will always vote for whom I finally decide would make the best governor, or legislator, or president, and if another candidate wins — well, obviously a majority of my fellow citizens didn’t share my view.

It’s just part of being an American, and letting winning candidates know that not all of their constituents support their policies.

Norine Jewell, Wayne

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