This is a six-part series exploring the views of Maine people on the issues facing the county, the state and local communities. The series is running on Sundays in the Maine Sunday Telegram.
Charts Click on each subject to see a summary of the polling data.
The issue ranks higher than education or the economy, a survey finds, and most would back a universal system. Some fear the lack of jobs will lower youths' expectations. Central Mainers focus on economy Jobs, and the educational opportunities to secure better ones, head their list of concerns, a survey finds. Northern Mainers put health care first Insurance premiums, medical care and prescription drugs take a bigger chunk out of their typically low wages. The pollsters contacted 1,468 adults, of whom 1,101 agreed to participate in the poll.