The Bangor Daily News is launching the Democracy Project, a series focusing on political polarization, cynicism, and apathy in Maine during this election year. The project aims to shed light on how these issues are changing civic life in the state, from small towns to the White House.
One example highlighted in the series is a small Maine water district that faced financial trouble due to board resignations, causing delays in critical repairs. This story is just one of many that demonstrate the effects of political polarization and apathy on local communities.
A recent national poll revealed that nearly half of Americans fear a civil war in their lifetimes, highlighting the deep divisions present in the country. Mainers are also concerned about political violence and election interference, reflecting broader trends of distrust in institutions and leaders.
The Democracy Project will delve into these issues at a local level, exploring how individuals, communities, and institutions are responding to the crisis of confidence in democracy. Future stories will address both political and non-political issues, as well as the changes that have reshaped Maine’s political landscape in the past 25 years.
The Bangor Daily News encourages readers to share their ideas and tips for topics to cover in the series, as they continue to report on the impact of political polarization in Maine. Stay tuned for more stories that examine the consequences of apathy and cynicism on democratic institutions across the state.
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