As a Maine educator for 38 years, I always stressed to my students that their opinions on candidates and issues only really make a difference if they vote.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, by voting we have utilized our power to its fullest extent.

I’m sorry to say I was wrong.

It now appears that our opinion only matters if our candidate wins, and even then the losing side may accuse us of election interference or, worse, cheating.

I am also guilty of saying that one of the many things that has made this country great is the peaceful transfer of power. No matter how vehemently we argue and insist that our candidate is the best, once the ballots are counted and court cases are heard, we graciously accept the outcome of the election.

It now appears that one is expected to begrudge the victor through to the next election, even through violent measures.

Lastly, I recall insisting many times during my career that the one absolute truth in this country was that no one — not even the president of the United States — is above the law.

As of July 1, 2024 the U.S. Supreme Court has corrected me on that.

So, again, I apologize for misleading my students. However, I still believe in all three of the mistakes I made.

We must utilize our voting power this November. Think hard about our choices and vote.

Lyn Lewia, Wilton