It’s that time of year again: tax season. This year, I am checking “yes” for Clean Elections when I fill out my Maine income tax form.

Checking “yes” supports Maine’s first-in-the-nation clean election system, but it doesn’t reduce a refund or add anything to the tax bill. It’s a way for Maine people to direct $3 of their taxes to the Maine Clean Election Fund.

When election time rolls around again, that fund will provide financing for qualified candidates who limit their spending and accept no private contributions. That’s a good deal for Maine people. Clean Election candidates focus on voters, not donors, during elections. And they focus on constituents, not lobbyists, when they are in office.

I hope others will join me in keeping Maine’s elections powered by the people, not special interests.

Deborah Moran, Greene