November 2019 Elections and ballots articles
Voters went to the polls Nov. 5, 2019 to consider two state ballot proposals, several municipal amendments, and if they live in Belfast or Rockland, a roster of city councilors candidates.
The turnout was larger in most towns than expected, that prompted elections wardens to wonder if the electorate is trending toward more engagement with government and politics.
Prospect elects new select board member
PROSPECT — A total of 91 ballots were cast in Prospect Nov. 5, 2019, when voters there elected Diane “Didi” Terry to the select board.
They also voted 66 to 25 in favor of a state $105 million infrastructure bond and voted 61 to 28 in favor of a constitutional amendment that allows citizens with disabilities to pursue alternative methods of signing petitions.
Appleton elects new select board member
APPLETON — Running unopposed, Danielle Gould swept the polls in Appleton in her pursuit of a seat on the select board with 167 votes. The town recorded 187 voters visiting the polls Nov. 5. Appleton has 1,002 registered voters.
In addition to election Gould, they approved two state questions.
Voting 140 to 46, they approved a $105 million state infrastructure bond.
Voting 137 to 49, they approved a state constitutional amendment that allows citizens with disabilities… Read more
Union voters endorse municipal solar panel array, land use ordinance amendments
UNION — Voting 251 to 139, Union voters approved a $78,000 bond to buy solar panels for municipal use.
The projected initial plan is to install a 128 solar panel array on the new public works building. Each panel generates 355 watts, so this will provide 45,440 watts of power, which will supply the needs of the town office complex, the public works buildings and the recreational areas such as the tennis and basketball courts. The system is expected to last 25 years or more and… Read more
Rockport approves $1.63 million infrastructure bond
ROCKPORT — Approximately 18.2 percent of registered voters — 513 individuals — in Rockport went to the polls Nov. 5, despite the pouring rain, to approve a municipal spending bond of $1.63 million, as well as a $105 million state infrastructure bond.
Voters approved the municipal infrastructure bond at a vote of 324 to 185.
The bond package had been introduced by the Rockport Select Board, with an estimated interest payment of 2.2 percent over 10 years.
Voters in… Read more
Union to vote on purchase of solar panels
UNION — The Town of Union will vote Nov. 5 on whether to purchase solar panels for use within the town.
Below is more information from the Town’s website:
The town select board has researched the feasibility of installing a solar panel array in town to produce electricity for our municipal usage. After considering presentations from several solar installers, the board has voted to contract with Montana Solar, a Union-based company with years of experience in municipal solar… Read more
Polling location change for Belfast residents in Wards 1-4
BELFAST — Officials in Belfast have changed the polling location for the Nov. 5 election for those living with Wards 1-4, according to an announcement posted on the city’s website Oct. 22.
Those residing within Wards 1-4 will no longer vote at the Boathouse.
Rather, voting for those residents will now occur at the Crosby Center on Church Street.
Parking is available on Church St., Spring St., Court St., and Miller St. Handicap parking and drop off will be available… Read more
Brenda Bonneville wins Belfast City Council Ward Three seat
BELFAST — Two candidates vying for the Ward Three seat on the Belfast City Council highlighted the municipal ballot in Belfast on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with Brenda Bonneville ultimately prevailing.
Uncontested races also appearing on the ballot included the race for mayor, ward four’s city councilor, two ward clerks, a warden and a pair of RSU 71 school board seats.
There were no declared candidates for two open municipal seats.
Ed Glaser, Nathan Davis win contested Rockland City Council race
ROCKLAND — Four candidates seeking two City Council seats highlighted the municipal ballot in Rockland when voters took to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Elsewhere on the ballot, two citizens sought a pair of RSU 13 school board seats and one citizen sought election to be a ward clerk.
Three municipal seats did not draw any declared candidates.
City Council (3-year term, 2 seats)
Knox, Waldo counties support state’s transportation spending bond question
Here are the results of the November 5, 2019 Question 1, Transportation spending bond state referendum as they roll in from municipalities in Knox and Waldo counties.
This proposal would authorize the State to issue general obligation bonds, in an amount not… Read more
Knox, Waldo counties support state’s constitutional amending ballot measure
Here are the results of the November 5, 2019 Question 2, Constitutional Amending state referendum as they roll in from municipalities in Knox and Waldo counties.
This proposal would amend Maine’s Constitution to allow voters who have physical disabilities that prevent… Read more
STATE BALLOT
On the November state ballot: Transportation spending bond, Constitutional Resolution
MUNICIPAL BALLOT
Below are local municipalities holding elections and have ballot questions.
KNOX and WALDO COUNTIES, plus Waldoboro (in Lincoln County)
Camden voters to consider marijuana cultivation license rules at Nov. 5 polls
BELFAST
Ridgely Fuller announces candidacy for Belfast City Council
On the issues: Belfast City Council Ward Three Candidate Sophia Ridgely Fuller
Brenda Bonneville announces candidacy for Belfast City Council
On the issues: Belfast City Council Ward Three Candidate Brenda Bonneville
ROCKLAND
Four to seek pair of Rockland City Council seats
Second Rockland Council seat opens with member’s resignation
On the issues: Rockland City Council Candidate Ed Glaser
On the issues: Rockland City Council Candidate Nathan Davis
On the issues: Rockland City Council Candidate Ian Emmott
On the issues: Rockland City Council Candidate Don Robishaw
ROCKPORT