On Nov. 4, Gorham voters will be asked to consider two state referendum questions and two approved by the Gorham Town Council.
State Question 1: All Maine voters will be asked if they want to require photo identification, or voter ID, before they can cast a ballot. Because the question is focused on requiring an ID, voters may know the referendum question also includes changes in absentee voting laws. Voters would be required to submit their license numbers or a copy of their photo ID when requisitioning an absentee ballot. This eliminates the ability to request an absentee ballot by phone, or for a family member to request a ballot for them. Voters over 65 or with a disability who now request a ballot be sent automatically for each election, would have to request one each time.
Additionally, there would be limits on the number and location of ballot drop boxes a town could have. A bi-partisan team of election officials would be required to collect the absentee ballots from the drop boxes. Towns could not include pre-paid envelopes with absentee ballots.
Supporters of the referendum believe the photo ID requirement and the changes in absentee laws would increase accountability and transparency. Opponents cite the small number of voting irregularities in Maine. They believe the changes would make voting more difficult, particularly for seniors, and deter people from voting.
State Question 2: Voters will be asked if they approve a red flag law. It would give police or family members the opportunity to ask a court to temporarily remove a person’s guns and prohibit them from buying new ones. Other New England states, with the exception of New Hampshire, have similar laws. Maine currently has a yellow flag law which requires police to take a person in custody and then have a mental health evaluation before weapons can be removed.
Supporters believe that allowing family members to start the process is the biggest benefit compared to the yellow flag law that can only be used by police. They believe it would prevent suicides and other violent behavior. Opponents argue that red flag laws lack due process and violate 2nd Amendment rights. They also fear that family members might make false accusations.
Gorham Question 1: Voters will be asked if the savings from the $9.5 million bond authorized by voters last November can be used for three projects. These projects would not require any additional funds. They are replacing the High School track, making ADA bathroom and sprinkler system upgrades and repairs at Narragansett School, connector construction from Village School to White Birch Lane, and re-paving sidewalk and fire lane at Great Falls School. The Council voted 7 yeas to put this referendum on the ballot.
Gorham Question 2: The question asks voters to approve authorizing issuance of general obligation bonds not to exceed $2,395,000 for road culvert projects on Buck Street, HurricaneRoad, Wilson Road and Wood Road. The Council voted 7 yeas.
Meet the Candidates at Baxter Memorial Library on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.
and at the North Gorham Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
Candidates for School Committee: Polly Tateishi (1 year term), Jeff Ballard, Lowansa Tompkins
Candidates for Town Council: Kelly Dearborn, Philip Gagnon Jr., Charles Hamblen, Tim O’Leary III, Samuel Purinton, Sevin Siegel