AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The turnout in Tuesday's referendum in which Maine voters decided on a gay marriage question was far heavier than expected.
Early predictions of 35 percent of voter turnout - heavy for an off-year vote - were upgraded on Tuesday as long lines formed at polls across Maine. Voters ended up repealing Maine's gay marriage law.
Even with incomplete vote figures, the turnout was at least 53 percent of eligible voters. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says the figure could grow to around 60 percent - approaching what Maine sees in a major election year.
Long lines of voters turned out in towns and cities across Maine, surprising clerks. Voting locations were packed in cities including Bangor and Augusta where polls had been consolidated.
Report a correction
In order to make comments, you must verify your account.
In order to comment on SunJournal.com, you must use your real name and include the town in which you live in your profile. A member of our staff will call you to verify this information. To join in, fill out your user profile completely and check the box "please verify my status." We'll get back to you within one business day to verify your account.
Login or create an account here.
Our policy prohibits comments that are:
- Defamatory, abusive, obscene, racist, or otherwise hateful
- Excessively foul and/or vulgar
- Inappropriately sexual
- Baseless personal attacks or otherwise threatening
- Contain illegal material, or material that infringes on the rights of others
- Commercial postings attempting to sell a product/item
If you violate this policy, your comment will be removed and your account may be banned.