Our mission is to empower a new generation of voters, advocates, and leaders through civics education, voter registration, and electoral engagement efforts.

​We are a non-partisan, nonprofit organization committed to increasing political participation and government involvement among Maine students and youth. 

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BRAND NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK!

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The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: A Kids' Guide to the Maine Legislature, is a children's book aimed at educating the next generation about how their own state government works.

Written by Justin Chenette, a 4-term state legislator, each page walks through the steps of the legislative process using a real-life illustration of when Maine legislators actually debated the state dessert. This children's book is fun for all ages with a special focus for students in Elementary School grades 1-5.

A perfect resource for students, parents, and teachers alike. ​

Coloring Book to educate about government

Uniquely designed and written for Maine’s youth, The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: How Your Idea Becomes Maine Law, is a coloring and activity book to teach the next generation about how their government works.

Written by Senator Justin Chenette, each page is a lesson in the steps of the legislative process with fun facts about the Pine Tree State. This educational activity book has children solving puzzles, mazes, crosswords, fill-in-the-blanks, and more to offer an entertaining way to learn about Maine’s political system.

​This 32-page book visually demonstrates how a law is made from start to finish with a real-life illustration of when Maine legislators debated the state dessert. A perfect resource for teachers and parents alike.

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National Voter Registration Day

The fourth Tuesday in September is always National Voter Registration Day. In addition, the entire week is National High School Voter Registration Week. Many allied groups like The Civics Center and others have led this effort. 

Mark the occasion by highlighting Maine's voter registration process to your network of friends.

We have put together graphics to use on social media to mark the occasion...

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The importance of voting

​Voting is power. 

Are you fed up with how things are run? Is there an issue that steams your clams? The best way to do something about it is to stand up, speak out, and vote. 

Every vote counts. Your vote matters. 

We believe that our next generation can step up to the plate to champion our Democracy.

​We believe in our collective ability to inspire the leaders of tomorrow, to act today.
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Civic involvement takes many forms

Your voice doesn't just start the minute you register to vote. You can make an impact regardless of your age in a variety of ways from getting your friends registered to vote, to contacting your local legislator, to participating in the process of government.

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Founder, Author, & Speaker - Justin Chenette

​Justin Chenette is the founder of the Maine Democracy Project.
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Justin has spent nearly a decade in public office. He is a 4-term Maine lawmaker having served two terms in the Senate and two terms in the House of Representatives. Justin is also the author of a children’s book and coloring book entitled The Great Whoopie Pie Debate, aimed at educating students about how their own government works.
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Justin launched the Maine Democracy Project in 2020 to inspire a new generation of voters, advocates, and leaders through civics education, voter registration, and electoral engagement efforts.

​In 2012, Justin made history by becoming the nation’s youngest openly gay legislator and Maine's youngest lawmaker at age 21. He was sworn into office just a week before graduating from college. Justin has been recognized nationally by The Advocate magazine, listing him on their list of the 40 Under 40 most accomplished leaders throughout the country.

In the Legislature, he chaired the bipartisan Government Oversight Committee and served on a number of committees including Senate Ethics, co-chaired the Youth Caucus, and founded the Democracy Reform Caucus. He was also appointed to the National Conference of State Legislature's Redistricting & Elections Committee. He passed legislation that reformed campaign finance standards to reduce money in politics, strengthened ethics rules to limit lobbyist influence, expanded Ranked Choice Voting to the Presidential race, and put Maine on a path to implement automatic voter registration. 

Justin’s political career began at age 17 when Governor John Baldacci appointed him to serve on the Maine State Board of Education, making history as its first student board member. There he advocated for voter registration drives and civics education in the classroom.

While in college, he was chosen to be a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention and was a congressional intern for Republican U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. He re-established the statewide organization, Maine Young Democrats, serving as its president for two years and is a past state director of the Young Elected Officials Network.

Two sitting U.S. Presidents have honored his community work as the recipient of the gold level Volunteer Service Award; in 2008, by President Bush, and in 2016, by President Obama.

Learn more at www.JustinChenette.com. ​

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