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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Turnout appears light in most places as Mainers head for school budget votes, local elections
Jun. 10—When poll workers opened the doors to Buxton Town Hall at 6 a.m. Tuesday, there were two voters waiting in line. A third arrived shortly after. It was a vastly different scene from November, when dozens of people waited in a line that stretched down the sidewalk and around the side of the building. Despite the slow start, Town Clerk John Myers was hoping at least 1,000 of the town's 6,200 registered voters show up Tuesday. "Anything over 1,200 would definitely be unusual. They'd probably be sending a message if we get that many," he said as the poll workers manning check-in tables waited for the next voter to come in. Polling places across Maine are open Tuesday to allow voters to weigh in on school budget proposals and, in many communities, elect local officials. All polling places will be open until 8 p.m. Maine allows same-day voter registration. Turnout was expected to be relatively small in most places for the off-year election, but some communities with controversial ballot questions or budget proposals could see a steadier flow of voters. "Local election turnout is always fairly slow, so we expect fairly light turnout today," Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said Tuesday morning after visiting three polling locations: in Manchester, Hallowell and Augusta. Bellows said the election seemed to be going smoothly, with no reports of issues inside polling places. She did receive one complaint about a petitioner in Lincoln who did not have legislation attached to their petition, as required by state law, for a people's veto. (Bellows said that petitioner was reminded of the law.) "All in all, it's a good day for an election, and we encourage everyone to vote," Bellows said, noting local elections are sometimes the most fun because people are voting for their neighbors and making decisions about their own communities. WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT? In most towns and cities, voters will get the chance to approve or reject their school districts' proposed budget. That process is largely uneventful in most communities, but in several towns, the lead-up to the vote has been more intense. Gorham residents are voting on a $57.5 million school spending plan that is up $4 million from last year, when the budget was approved by just four votes. In 2023, voters rejected two versions of the budget before approving the third. Signs with messages like "raise test scores, not taxes" have popped up around town urging voters to reject the budget. Other signs around town call on residents to vote yes on the budget, with messages like "adequate funding, quality education." In Cape Elizabeth, voters will be considering an $86.5 million bond to build a new middle school and renovate the elementary school after twice rejecting larger bond proposals. Proponents of the project say the school buildings have reached the end of their useful life and are not well-suited to modern-day learning. Opponents want the district to focus on renovations rather than rebuilding and take issue with the school board continuing to propose building project referenda after voters have rejected them in the past. Many smaller towns across Maine elect town council, select board and school committee members in June. In Buxton, there are competitive races this year for the board of selectmen, planning board and budget committee. All candidates for MSAD 6 school board seats are running unopposed. Two candidates, Cassidy Lacroix and Jayne Sawtelle, are running for one at-large school board seat in Portland. Waterboro voters will decide on an article to appropriate $200,000 for contract deputies, an increase not supported by the board of selectmen or the budget committee. SCHOOL FUNDING A HOT TOPIC Despite the rain, a consistent flow of voters turned out across Gorham on Tuesday to vote on the proposed school budget. The $57.5 million spending plan has garnered attention from activists on both sides, which could signal a close outcome. The proposal, approved unanimously by both the school committee and town council, represents a $4 million increase from last year. Election warden Susan Emerson reported that more than 400 residents had voted at the Gorham Middle School polling location before noon Tuesday. "It has been a topic of conversation, so I thought it might be busy," Emerson said. The Gorham Watchdogs, an organization dedicated to "tracking local government and school board decisions," has been a vocal advocate against the budget leading up to the election. The group's concerns, which include increasing taxes and strain on older residents, were echoed by some voters at the middle school. "We're seniors on a limited income, and approving the school budget is not right for us," said Melissa Arehart, 82. "We might feel differently if we had children in the district, but we don't." Margaret Oliver, 80, has lived in town since 1972 and worries that another increase in taxes could price some citizens out of the town. "I support our schools, but you're going to price us right out of Gorham," she said. "What are young people going to do if they want to buy property here?" For others, voting for a tax increase is a sacrifice they are willing to make. Magda Alden, who has children in the district, said she voted yes to support students and teachers. Bruce Webb, 82, raised two children who graduated from the Gorham district and supported the budget. "People helped pay for our children's education; we should help pay for theirs," he said. Polling places in Portland had fewer voters than anticipated, even for a summer election. As of lunchtime, the Woodfords Club had seen 151 voters, while Deering High School had only tallied 102. Stu Tisdale, a warden at Deering High, said he had expected low turnout but that Tuesday was "as close to zero as I've ever seen." Many Portland voters who did come out said they did so to support a friend or neighbor running for school board, or simply because they never miss a chance to vote. Others wanted to voice their opinions on the $171 million school budget. "It really feels like the current version of the Republican Party is counting on people being stupid and uneducated and noncritical thinkers," said resident Alan Lovell. "So, I will always vote in favor of education." While many viewed the school budget as a means to fund education, voter Chris Paige said he has seen enough tax increases in recent years. "I think (the school department has) to look at everything and say, 'Taxpayers are getting sick of it,'" he said. "We have take all our hard-earned money and fund all these programs, but yet we don't see hardly anything for it. We're not getting our money's worth." At Scarborough High School, though, turnout was higher than usual for a June referendum, officials said. Some residents there felt that they didn't have enough information about what would be included in the town's school budget proposal, prompting them to vote against it. "They tried to pull a fast one on us," said Mark Lanonit. "There was no reference to what the impact of the budget would be, so I voted no. If this vote passes, I think it should be fought in court." Others didn't share those concerns. "I believe in funding schools," said Ellen Tighe, a former teacher. "I don't know if I could say what is too much or too little, but if the school board says this is what we need, then I vote for it." In Lisbon, voters are weighing a proposed school budget that would raise the amount of funding that comes from property taxes by almost 8%. Some told a reporter that they feel the school budget is their only chance to have a direct say in their taxes. "I'm trying to keep my taxes down. I hate to vote against the school budget," Charles Peerboom said. "It's gonna cost some people their homes. It's going to price people out of the town." Deb Duhamel, a retired employee, also voted against the budget. "Why in the hell should I be paying school tax when I don't have students in school? I don't agree with this at all." TURNOUT LOW IN MANY TOWNS The polls in Auburn were quiet Tuesday as residents trickled into City Hall to vote on the proposed school budget of $64.5 million. Those who came said they were happy to exercise their civic duty and to participate in their community. City Clerk Emily Carrington expected a 4% turnout for the day, noting that when ballots aren't tied to a state ballot, turnout is usually lower. By 10 a.m., 283 ballots had been processed, with 172 of those being absentee ballots. Phil Savignano said that, given his family's involvement in education — his father was a principal at Auburn's Edward Little High School in the 1960s, and his wife was a teacher — the issue has always been a concern for him. "I always think that the money spent on education is good money spent," he said. Abby Jankoviak, who recently moved to the area and voted in her first local election Tuesday, supported the budget, noting that she would love to have kids in the schools one day. "I want to invest in our children (and) I want to help support what they need so that they can succeed in the future," she said. Voters were lined up in Skowhegan when polls opened at 7 a.m., and 46 had voted by 8:15 a.m., said Town Clerk Gail Pelotte. Wendy Lumbert said she voted for Kevin Nelson and Ethan Liberty for the board of selectmen but didn't know a lot about the candidates for the School Administrative District 54 Board of Directors. "I'm a conservative, and I have just been tired of high taxes, stuff being given away," Lumbert, 66, said. "It's time to tighten the belt. I think there needs to be more diversity on the board." Gary York, 73, voted for Nelson and Liberty, saying the former would bring new blood and the latter young blood to the board. He also said he voted for Sara Smith and Julie Smith for the SAD 54 board, because they are women, "because of having an insight of children," said York, a graphic artist who has owned his own shop for 49 years. He said he voted for the women because "they are the matriarchs of society" and get things done. In Gardiner, only around 30 voters had made their way to the polls at the Boys & Girls Club on Pray Street by noon. The polls Tuesday morning were virtually empty. Election warden Deirdre Berglund said the day had been "very, very slow" so far. The only item on the ballot in the city is the $32.8 million proposed Gardiner-area school budget. The community voted to pass the proposed budget at the Regional Budget Meeting on May 27, but voters have the chance Tuesday to officially approve the budget. "A lot of people don't realize the importance of the school budget," Berglund said. "They have a voice in the matter." Staff Writers Amy Calder, Skyler Cummings, Emily Duggan, Brianna Earle, Jenene Grover, Trinity Poon and Zoe Schaedle contributed to this report. This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maine Voter ID supporters challenge state's ballot language
May 12—A group campaigning to require a photo identification when voting and tighten absentee ballot access is suing the Secretary of State's office over the wording of a statewide referendum headed for the fall ballot. Supporters say the official wording misrepresents the proposal and "buries its core intent behind a string of technical and inflammatory clauses." Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and other opponents of the referendum have criticized advocates for promoting the measure only as a voter ID mandate when the proposal would also make it harder to vote absentee and make other changes to elections laws that officials say would be difficult and expensive to implement. Bellows released the final wording of the ballot question last week: "Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?" The Voter ID for ME campaign said the question "misrepresents the proposal and buries its core intent behind a string of technical and inflammatory clauses" and "fails to meet the constitutional and statutory standards of clarity, accuracy, and impartiality." "Maine voters deserve a clear, honest question — not a partisan editorial from an official who's already made her opposition clear in the press and in legislative testimony," campaign manager Alex Titcomb said in a written statement. Bellows could not be immediately reached for a response to the challenge in Cumberland County Superior Court. Bellows has been the target of criticism of Republicans after she tried to exclude Donald Trump from Maine's 2024 ballot citing the anti-insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution and Trump's role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol. She reversed course after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a similar case that state officials don't have the power to exclude a nominee from the presidential ballot. Bellows came under renewed scrutiny last month, when she formally announced that she was running in the Democratic primary for governor. Republicans called on Bellows to resign as the state's top election official, but she refused, citing past precedent. Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Auburn, who is helping lead the campaign for voter ID, accused Bellows of "misusing her power to mislead the public." "It's not just dishonest — it's undemocratic," Libby said in a written statement. The 11-page proposal, LD 1149,would require a photo ID at the polls or when a voter returns an absentee ballot, though it includes a religious exemption for those who object to being photographed. Acceptable IDs would include state driver's license or ID cards, a military ID, passport or a concealed weapons permit. It would not include student IDs. The proposal would also end the current practice of allowing absentee ballots to be requested by phone and by immediate family members, and would end a program that allows seniors and people with disabilities to receive absentee ballots for every election without making a special request each time. Additionally, the bill would prohibit municipalities such as Portland and Orono from having more than one drop box to collect absentee ballots. And it would require municipalities to have "a bipartisan team of election officials" to collect those ballots, rather than assigning the task to municipal clerks. The campaign to pass the measure has been fueled by a $500,000 donation from a national group, the Republican State Leadership Committee. The proposal drew strong opposition, including from Bellows and local elections officials, during a public hearing earlier this month. Opponents argued that Maine's elections are already secure and that the new requirements would only make it more difficult for some people to vote, including elderly residents, people with disabilities, people without reliable transportation, busy parents and shift-workers. They included AARP, the Maine Town and City Clerks Association, the Maine State Nurses Association, the Maine Education Association and the Maine Women's Lobby. Those who spoke in favor, mostly the Republican sponsors of the bills, argued they are commonsense reforms to increase confidence in elections. Libby noted that more than 171,000 voters signed the petition to place the question on the ballot, but opponents at the public hearing accused signature gatherers of only highlighting the proposal to show voter ID when casting a ballot, when the bill contained other sweeping reforms. "It is important that the legislators and the voters understand the comprehensive nature of the initiative that's before you," Bellows said at the May 2 hearing. This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Airport security to start asking for Real IDs on Wednesday; enforcement likely to lag
May 6—AUGUSTA — Maine officials said Tuesday they had not received a response to their appeal for a delay in enforcement at the state's airports when the federal Real ID deadline arrives Wednesday. But the Transportation Security Administration is expected to phase in the enforcement nationwide anyway and allow people to fly for a period, even if they don't have the federal identification. The TSA on Wednesday will begin asking all travelers over the age of 18 to show a Real ID or other form of federal identification, such as a passport, before flying on commercial airlines. The requirement has been in the works for 20 years as a way to improve security. Maine residents have been slow to get the new Real IDs, in part because of concerns about privacy. The low rate of compliance raised concerns about travel disruptions and airport delays if the mandate is strictly enforced. Last week, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and a bipartisan group of state lawmakers serving on the Transportation Committee sent a letter asking the TSA to conduct a soft rollout of the new requirement and not turn people away who don't have a Real ID. The group urged the TSA to give people warnings and ensure that passengers don't experience delays or miss flights. Although the state had not received a formal response as of Tuesday afternoon, the TSA seems poised to allow people without Real ID to fly. On Monday, the federal agency sent the state a copy of a warning notice they plan to give people without Real ID, according to a spokesperson for Bellows. The bright red flyer warns: "The ID you presented is NOT REAL ID-complaint. You will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification for your next flight or you may expect delays." View this document on Scribd That is consistent with statements made Tuesday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem before a congressional panel. Travelers who lack an identification that complies with the Real ID law "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," Noem said. "But people will be allowed to fly," she added. "We will make sure it's as seamless as possible." Bellows welcomed the news while also urging Mainers to make an appointment at their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to get their Real IDs. "We are relieved that, according to the flyer we received from the TSA, Mainers without a Real ID or passport will be able to fly at least in the near term and will receive a warning and may be subject to additional screening," Bellows said in statement to the Press Herald Tuesday. "We encourage traveling Mainers to go to for information and to make an appointment at their local BMV to get their Real ID when they get back." A TSA spokesperson did not respond to questions sent by email this week. Last week, the TSA indicated that it planned to enforce the Real ID requirement, noting that passengers without appropriate ID might be subject to additional security screening. "The Real ID Act was passed 20 years ago to address security vulnerability," a spokesperson said in a written statement. "This administration and (the) DHS secretary have determined that it's important that we keep the implementation date of May 7, 2025, and that we enforce the law." The warning notice provided to Bellows contains a QR code that loads a TSA website with information about acceptable identification and explains the process for passengers without an acceptable ID, including people in the TSA PreCheck program. A WARNING AND SPECIAL SCREENING It says passengers will receive a warning and possibly be directed to a special screening area, where they will undergo an identity verification process. Passengers whose identities are verified may also face additional security screening. Those whose identities cannot be verified will not be allowed to proceed. The TSA says it will accept proper identification, such as a passport, even if it has been expired for up to two years. As of May 1, only 29% of Maine's more than 1.71 million driver's licenses were Real IDs, according to the state. Maine residents have the choice of getting a standard license or one that meets Real ID security standards. That's up slightly from 27% in April, when Maine, along with Washington state, had the third-lowest percentage of residents with Real IDs. Only New Jersey (17%) and Pennsylvania (26%) had lower rates of Real ID uptake, according to an analysis conducted by CBS News. Thirty states have compliance rates under 70%, while a dozen states have rates above 96%. Noem said Tuesday that 81% of U.S. travelers have IDs that comply with the Real ID requirements. States have had about two decades to prepare for arrival of Real ID, which was introduced in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. But opposition from privacy advocates, including in Maine, stalled the rollout from its original date of Oct. 1, 2020, to next week. Maine was one of the last states to comply with the federal mandate in 2018. Standards for a Real ID are consistent across the 50 states and involve a higher level of verification than standard driver's licenses or IDs. An individual must bring proof of identification and citizenship/lawful status, such as a certified birth certificate; two forms proving residency; and a Social Security number. Proof of any legal name changes must also be provided, if applicable. Real IDs, which have digital photos, can be used with facial recognition software. They also require the digital archiving of identity documents such as birth certificates or Social Security numbers. The Real ID license costs about $9 per year, or $10 for older adults; a Real ID nondriver card is $5 a year; and a passport costs $16.50 per year for the first 10 years and $13 annually after that. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maine's chickadee license plates will start disappearing this week
May 1—The time-worn chickadees that have been featured on Maine plates for more than 25 years will start disappearing Thursday as they're replaced with dark green pine trees and navy blue stars. The long-discussed pine tree license plates based on the original 1901 state flag will be phased in over the next year as people renew their car registrations. While the plates will have a distinctly Maine look, they're being manufactured by a Canadian company. The state had to shift the manufacturing of the new plates away from the Maine State Prison, where plates are usually made, in order to make the number of plates needed on a shortened timeline, according to the Secretary of State's Office. Waldale Manufacturing of Nova Scotia won the bid to make 1 million sets (2 million individual plates) for the launch of the pine tree plates. The state will pay the Nova Scotia-based company $4 per set for standard plates and slightly more for vanity plates. The switch to the new plates, approved by the Legislature last year, was spurred by safety concerns that Maine's older plates have deteriorated beyond recognition, making it harder for police officers to identify plates and reducing the effectiveness of automated toll collectors and traffic cameras. The chickadee plates were issued starting in 1999. Unlike most states, Maine does not cycle out license plates every five to 10 years. "As anyone driving on Maine roads can see, some of the older chickadee plates are becoming worn, faded, and difficult or impossible to read, and that presents a real safety issue. But it also presents an opportunity for something fresh and new, and we're looking forward to the new plates," Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said. After the new plates were approved, the state started a bidding process to find a new manufacturer because the equipment at the state prison is a manual process done on old equipment, said Deputy Secretary of State Emily Cook. "They're setting each number and letter," she said. "It was not feasible in the amount of time that this needs to happen." Waldale Manufacturing is the largest private manufacturer of license plates in North America, according to the company's website. This is the first time Maine has used the company to produce license plates. The Maine State Prison will continue to make all of the other plates Maine offers, including vanity plates in other designs. The plate shop produces about 645,000 individual plates each year. Cook said state officials are keeping an eye on the impact of the president's tariffs against Canada, but so far it does not appear they will impact the cost of the plates. Starting Thursday, people registering their cars will be able to choose between the pine tree design or a "no tree" version with no image and numbers in blue and green. "The pine tree with the North Star design is classic Maine — we are the Pine Tree State after all — while the plain text version is similar to the clean and simple design without any graphics, some Mainers will remember from decades ago. I'm excited to see the new plates start hitting the roads tomorrow," Cathie Curtis, deputy secretary of state for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, said in a statement on Wednesday. The plates will include a new plate number at no charge, but people have the option of reserving their current plate number for $25. Forms to retain plate numbers are available at town offices or on the BMV website. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Secretary of state issues language for people's veto of Maine state budget
Apr. 8—Supporters of a people's veto initiative to block Maine's two-year state budget soon will be able to begin collecting signatures now that the state has approved language for the petitions. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Monday released the official language, which also will appear on the statewide ballot if the long-shot effort is successful. The question is: "Do you want to stop most state government operations and programs, including new and ongoing state funding for cities, towns, and schools, by rejecting the state's two-year budget?" A group of six current and former Republican lawmakers led by Rep. Gary Drinkwater, R-Milford, filed paperwork with the secretary of state's office last month to initiate a people's veto of the two-year, $11.3 billion budget passed by Democrats. The legislation is scheduled to take effect at the end of June, in time for the start of the next fiscal year on July 1. Drinkwater said last month that the people's veto effort is being made in response to concerns about the tax increases that may be proposed in the next phase of budget work, as well as Republicans being "shut out of the budget process." The effort could leave Maine without an approved budget for a period of time. Even submitting the required number of signatures would pause implementation before a vote, the secretary of state's office said. However, organizers have only two months to meet the deadline. The applicants have until 5 p.m. on June 18 to submit at least 67,682 signatures from registered Maine voters to the secretary of state's office to pause implementation of the budget and send the question to voters in November. Copy the Story Link
