AUGUSTA (AP) – The 503 municipal clerks in charge of local polling places on Nov. 2 are being advised by state election officials to make contingencies in the event of disruptions on Election Day.

A memo from Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky that began arriving in mail boxes Monday advised clerks to make plans for securing the ballots in the event of an evacuation and for setting up a backup polling place. The memo also advised clerks to keep an open line of communication with state election and law enforcement officials.

Across the country, election officials are heeding warnings that terrorists could try to disrupt the election. In Maine, election officials already have met with Gen. John Libby, commander of the Maine National Guard and the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

Deputy Secretary of State Doug Dunbar said the goal is for municipal clerks to have contingencies for any type of disruption, whether it’s flooding, a power outage – or terrorism.

Among the suggestions included in the memo are for clerks to identify backup polling places and make signs to direct voters. It also suggested having carts or dollies on hand so voting machines, unused ballots and voter lists could be removed in an emergency.

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