China & Vassalboro presidential primary results

China Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported the following results from Tuesday’s primary election.

Two hundred and two Democratic votes were cast, with Joseph R. Biden, Jr., receiving 164, or 81 percent. Dean B. Phillips got 19 votes; declared write-in candidate Stephen P. Lyons got 17; and two ballots were left blank.

On the Republican side, 461 ballots were cast, 358 (78 percent) for Donald J. Trump. Nikki R. Haley got 91 votes (20 percent). Trailing well behind were Ron DeSantis with four votes; Vivek G. Ramaswamy with three; blank ballots and write-ins with two votes each; and Ryan L. Binkley with one vote.

Nelson called the 663 votes “a lower than normal turnout for China,” but, she said, “it was a nice steady flow all day.” Unexpected visitors included Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and a reporter from Channel 6 News, who stood outside the polling room under an umbrella.

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Vassalboro town clerk Cathy Coyne reported 523 presidential primary ballots cast in that town, 367 Republican and 156 Democratic.

Donald J. Trump got 284 Republican votes (77 percent), followed by Nikki R. Haley with 80 (22 percent) and Vivek G. Ramaswamy with two. There was one blank ballot; no one voted for Ryan L. Binkley or Ron DeSantis.

Joseph R. Biden received 128, or 82 percent, of the Democratic votes. Dean B. Phillips received 14, and there were 14 blank ballots. No Vassalboro voter chose Stephen P. Lyons.

China GOP to caucus

There will be a Town of China Republican Caucus on Thursday March 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of a Maine Republican town caucus is to elect delegates and a delegation chairman to the Maine Republican State Convention to be held April 26 and 27, 2024; to elect representatives to the Kennebec County Republican Committee; to elect the officers of the Town of China Republican Committee; and to review and ratify bylaws for the town committee. Republican candidates for state and local offices present will be given an opportunity to speak. Any registered Republican voter in the Town of China can participate. The caucus will convene in the portable building behind the town office at 6:30 p.m.

Laura Jones announces candidacy for House

Laura Jones

Laura Jones, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, and Vassalboro native, has announced her election campaign for House District #61, in Vassalboro and part of Sidney.

“Vassalboro has always been where my heart is and where I was happy to return to. I served my country for 25 years and now I am happy to serve my community. I will continue to work as hard as I can in Augusta for the people of Vassalboro and Sidney.” said Jones.

Jones, 52, a fourth generation Vassalboro resident, was born in Waterville and raised in Vassalboro. Jones served 25 years in the military, with deployments and assignments to Haiti, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Japan. She currently works at her family’s business, Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro. She has been very active in the community helping organize and promote community events for the Vassalboro Historical Society, Grange, Mill and Vassalboro Business Association. She currently serves on the Board of the Vassalboro Historical Society and is their treasurer.

“Laura’s contributions to the community since retiring from military service are commendable and her life experiences will serve her well in Augusta,” said Barbara Redmond, former Vassalboro selectperson. “Laura is an excellent candidate and will do a great job representing the residents of Vassalboro and part of Sidney in the legislature”.

Visit Laura Jones on Facebook and her campaign website.

Elise Brown, of Liberty, announces run for Waldo County Commissioner seat

Elise Brown

Elise Brown, of Liberty, announced her candidacy for the position of Waldo County Commissioner in District #3 to represent the towns of Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Liberty, Searsmont, Thorndike, Troy, and Unity.

Elise has been in local public service since 1994, holding roles in the Liberty community including firefighter, fire chief, EMT, Director of Emergency Management, and budget committee chairman.

At the Waldo County level, Elise Brown has worked closely with the Emergency Management Agency, Sheriff’s Office, Corrections’ Reentry Center, and Regional Communications Center.

Elise co-owns a residential weatherization contracting business with staff of 40 serving coastal Maine. There she heads the leadership team, information technology, customer service, and marketing.

For more information on her campaign, visit Facebook Page Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner District #3, email campaign@elisebrownwaldo3.net, or call Elise at 207-592-2970.

EVENTS: Upcoming Area Caucuses 2024

Somerset County Democratic caucuses

All registered Democrats are welcome to attend the caucus in your area. If you are currently unenrolled or not yet registered, we will have registration forms at each caucus.

Region 1: Detroit, Pittsfield

Pittsfield Town Office, 112 Somerset Ave, Pittsfield

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Region 2: Athens, Brighton Plt, Cambridge, Canaan, Harmony, Hartland, Palmyra, Ripley, St. Albans

Canaan Fire Department, 265 Main St, Canaan

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Region 3: Cornville, Skowhegan

Skowhegan Community Center, 39 Poulin Dr, Skowhegan

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Region 4: Fairfield

Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water St, Fairfield

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

Region 5: Mercer, Norridgewock, Smithfield

Norridgewock Town Office, 16 Perkins St, Norridgewock

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Region 6: Madison, Solon

Solon Fire Department, 119 S Main St, Solon

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Region 7: Anson, Embden, Highland Plt, New Portland, Starks

Carrabec Community School, 56 N Main St, North Anson

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Region 8: Bingham, Caratunk, Dennistown Plt, Jackman, Moose River, Moscow, Pleasant Ridge Plt, Rockwood Strip Twp, The Forks Plt, West Forks Plt

Moscow Town Hall, 110 Canada Rd, Moscow

Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

For additional information, please e-mail the Somerset County Democratic Committee at somersetcountydemsme@gmail.com.

Waldo County GOP to caucus

The Waldo County Republican Committee has announced that the Waldo County Republicans from all 26 towns in Waldo County will caucus on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Searsport MSHS, 24 Mortland Rd, Searsport. Registration will begin at 9 am, candidate presentations at 10 am, and town caucuses to follow.

The purpose of the caucus is to elect members to the Waldo County Republican Town Committees to organize for the upcoming elections. Voter registration sign up will be available. You must be a registered Republican to vote at the caucus. Delegates and alternates to the 2024 Maine GOP convention will also be elected. The Maine GOP state convention will be held April 26-27, 2024, at the Augusta Civic Center. All Waldo County Republicans are urged to attend this important event.

The snow date of the caucus is February 10. Weather cancellation will be announced on the Waldo County GOP Facebook page or contact waldocountyrep@gmail.com.

Lincoln County Democrats to caucus Feb. 3 and 4

Democrats in Lincoln County will gather for biennial caucuses Feb. 3 and 4 to begin organizing for the 2024 elections. All registered Democrats are invited to participate in their town’s meeting. Attendees will hear from candidates, conduct local committee business, and elect local delegates to the Maine Democratic State Convention held May 31 to June 1.

LCDC will also collect items for the organization’s Food Pantry Project, including paper towels, toilet paper, coffee and tea, hot/cold cereal and canned soups.

Doors open at start times below for voter check-in. Candidate speeches in most locations will begin shortly after check-in. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, caucuses will be held one week later at the same times and locations.

Saturday, Feb. 3

10 a.m. – Noon: Somerville

Windsor Town Office (2nd Fl), 523 Ridge Rd.

Noon – 2 p.m.: Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro, South Bristol

Great Salt Bay Community School, 559 Main St., Damariscotta

2 – 4 p.m.: Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, Wiscasset

Wiscasset Elementary School, 83 Federal St.

Sunday, Feb. 4

Noon – 2 p.m.: Westport Island

Old Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd, Westport Island.

2 – 4 p.m.: Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport

Boothbay Region High School, 236 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor.

Disclaimer: This event is not sponsored by the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School district, nor does it necessarily represent the values and opinions of the Board of Trustees, the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor School Committee, or the school community at large.

4 – 6 p.m.: Dresden

Pownalborough Hall, 314 Patterson Rd, Dresden.

4 -.m.: Bremen, Waldoboro

Miller Elementary School, 145 Kalers Cr St/Rte 32, Waldoboro.

Complete information about the caucuses, LCDC, its meetings, and other activities can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com. Questions can be emailed to info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

China election results (November 2023)

The unofficial returns from the November 7, 2023, municipal election for the town of China are as follows:

For select board: Chadwick = 931, Marquis = 810.

Planning board: District 3/ Mather = 996, Alternate At Large/Tripodi = 978

Budget Committee: Chairman/Rumpf = 1,037, District 1/Maroon = 1,062.

All races were uncontested.

All write in positions will be determined later in the week.

The China election saw a turnout of 1,303 voters.

Fairfield election notes (November 2023)

Residents of Fairfield may cast their ballots on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water Street, Fairfield, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The local ballot will include:

  • Council: one seat, 3-year Term, there are three candidates
  • KWD: 1 Seat, 3-year term, there is one Declared Write-In
  • Charter Commission: six seats, 1-year Term, Write-In only contest; must be 18, qualified registered voters of Fairfield, willing to take the Oath of Office/Code of Conduct, and serve in accordance with the Town Charter and State Statutes (no candidates took out nomination papers by deadline)

ABSENTEE VOTING:

You may request an absentee ballot up to 90 days prior to election however;
Ballots are available 30 Days Prior to Election: October 9. Deadline to request Absentee is November 2. Absentee ballot s may be dropped off in the Drop-Box (24/7 Secure/no-contact).

Absentee Application: MAILERS: These are not sent from the municipality – these are facilitated by the political parties or third party drives – whatever manner you request an absentee, please submit only ONE request per election.

In-person: Voter Registration, Absentee Requests: Mon, – Fri,m 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Late Hours, October 30, 5 – 6 p.m.

Voter Registration:

Not Registered to Vote? Contact Town Clerk/Voter Registrar (ID & Proof of Residency required)

Closed Period: 21 days prior to election, thereafter all voter registrations must be in person with ID and Proof of Residency (Closed-Period/In-Person only commences on October 17, 2023). Voter Registration & General Information on Elections

Party Enrollment Changes: Voters wishing to change from one party to another will be automatically subject to the 15- day wait period, and must remain in the party three months. (There is no wait period for unenrolled voters to enter into a party)

Maine’s new semi-open primaries effective January 1, 2024: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/21-A/title21-Asec341.html.

A registered voter not enrolled in a political party may participate, subject to the restrictions of section 145, subsection 3, in a party’s primary election without enrolling in that political party. An unenrolled voter may vote in only one party’s primary election.

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/21-A/title21-Asec145.html.

Local political coalition receives grant submitted

photo credit: United Valley Democrats Facebook page

submitted by Megan Marquis

Representatives from the local United Valley Democratic Committee (formerly China Dems) are diligently working alongside Kennebec County Democratic Committee on the Contest Every Race grant. Kennebec County is one of two counties in Maine, where groups are set to receive a $3,000 grant from Movement Labs via their Contest Every Race project. Contest Every Race (CER) is awarding grants to more than 300 political groups nationwide. This is the first year they have included Maine in the grant winners.

CER focuses on strengthening existing local rural organizations on Democratic electoral efforts. It provides an additional layer of resources, technical support, and training for rural and underserved community organizers. The grant program supports rural Democrats to connect with one another, build more power, and support the mission of not leaving any race uncontested.

Nationwide, nearly 100,000 elections go uncontested every year. These positions include municipality, county, and election officials; school board candidates; judges; attorneys; and law enforcement officials such as sheriffs and deputies.

CER to date has helped 5,563 new candidates. 44 percent of the candidates have won their races. Fifty-eight percent of the new candidates have been women of color.

To show your support, join the United Valley Democratic Committee’s End-of-Summer Celebration on Saturday, September 16, from 2 – 8 p.m., at the 327 Stevens Shore Rd., Palermo, ME.

June 2023 Fairfield election results

Downtown Fairfield. (Contributed photo)

The following are official election returns as reported by Fairfield Town Clerk Christine Keller. Voters cast 111 ballots.

Municipal:

MSAD #49 School budget validation referendum:

Yes: 52
No: 59
Blanks: 0

MSAD #49 School Board (vote for 2)

Heather L. Hussey, 88; Rachel L. Hachey, 87; Blanks, 47.

China and Vassalboro voting results from June 13, 2023

Vassalboro balloting

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported the following results from the polls on June 13:

  • Vassalboro’s amended Site Review Ordinance, adding a chapter on commercial solar development and making other changes, was approved by a vote of 137 in favor to 44 opposed.
  • The 2023-24 school budget approved at the June 5 open town meeting was ratified by a vote of 158 in favor to 28 opposed.
  • Michael C. Poulin, the only declared write-in candidate for the select board, received 58 votes. Poulin will succeed Barbara Redmond, who is retiring from the board.
  • Running unopposed for re-election to the school board, Zachary Smith received 151 votes and Erin L. “Libby” Loiko received 136 votes.

China’s annual town business meeting voting

by Mary Grow

Voters participating in China’s June 13 annual town business meeting, conducted by written ballot, approved all 32 warrant articles, according to Town Clerk Angela Nelson.

Their votes funded municipal and related activities for the 2023-24 fiscal year, authorized select board members to take actions on their behalf and approved two revised town ordinances.

On a separate ballot, they approved the Regional School Unit #18 budget for 2023-24, by a vote of 230 in favor and 77 opposed.

The issue most discussed at public meetings in the first half of the year was proposed changes in the Board of Appeals section of China’s Land Development Code. Voters approved the amended ordinance by a vote of 185 in favor to 120 opposed, the closest vote of the day.

The amended Solid Waste Ordinance got 234 “yes” votes and 70 “no” votes.

The most popular expenditure was the appropriation of state snowmobile registration money to the Four Seasons Club (Art. 15), approved 285-24.

Nelson said 313 voters cast ballots.

Results were posted by mid-evening Tuesday on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab on the left side of the home page.

Poulin declares write-in candidacy for select board

Michael C. Poulin has formally declared his candidacy as a write-in candidate for the Vassalboro Select Board.

He has been a Vassalboro resident/taxpayer for 20+ years, U.S. Navy wartime veteran, member of Vassalboro Budget Committee, has been to 98 percent of selectboard meetings for years, attends most of the school board meetings, is a graduate of BSBA Suffolk University (1972), MBA Suffolk University 1992 (Summa), has been a 30-year assistant scoutmaster Boy Scout Troop #194 (Parent of Eagle Scout), is a patron of Vassalboro Free Public Library, associate member of Vassalboro Trails Committee, and is a patron of MPBN.

His work history includes Honeywell, Brown Brothers Harriman, Bank of Boston, various Senior Systems Analyst consulting gigs.

Poulin reminds voters to use his full name (Michael C. Poulin) to differentiate from the “other” Mike Poulin.