Lewiston residents should wake up. Results listed for the mayoral race had Ben Chin receiving 3,673 votes and Robert Macdonald receiving 3,107 votes. The U.S. Census Bureau lists Lewiston having a population of 36,299 in 2010, with 22.1 percent under the age of 18. That leaves a voting population of 28,236 — far from the number of people (8,332) who did vote.

I am bothered that any candidate could claim a mandate from the public. Consider this — supposedly there were a high number of Bates College students registering to vote. Anyone wish to guess whom they supported? I find it interesting that a student who attends Bates can register to vote in local elections. I am not against them voting, but I wish I could.

I own property in Lewiston and I pay taxes, but I cannot vote because I am a nonresident. A student, who attends Bates and is there for approximately nine months of the year for three to four years, can vote on candidates and spending bills, then leave.

Shame on the voting public of Lewiston for not voting, thinking their votes don’t matter or who feel someone else can do it. They will reap what they sow.

My wish for Lewiston residents is to think about the upcoming runoff for mayor and show up. Put your marks where you want them, and don’t allow a system to manipulate and place it for you.

Gary Bain, Auburn

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