We really do take it seriously, our role as journalists to inform people about government issues and elections.

That's why, starting last week, we've been informing readers in-depth about upcoming election measures: the racino vote in Washington County; the Land For Maine's Future bond proposal; the economic-development bond.

I'm offering a few links here, leading with staff writer Alan Crowell's in-depth look at the land-preservation vote:Voters to consider $17 million funding package

Over the next few weeks, you will see even more of this kind of coverage from us. We're also committed to covering town and city elections and referenda, such as whether to expand Lithgow Library in Augusta,whether to change the Augusta utilities district and merge part of it with Hallowell, and whether Winthrop should build a new public-safety headquarters.