By Doug Fletcher,Staff Writer

Nothing would have kept Tom Kester from the polls Tuesday.

“I turned 18 yesterday,” said the Auburn man after casting his very first ballot at Washburn Elementary School.

He said he’s been studying politics in school and paying attention to talk about government and the responsibilities of citizenship. So on Tuesday, he wasn’t about to forfeit his chance to exercise his right.

Kester’s ballot was one of an estimated 755 that had been cast at the school – or sent there for counting in the case of about 150 absentee ballots – by midafternoon Tuesday.

Poll workers said the turnout in the off-year election was steady but light when compared with last year’s record showing.

Auburn voters, except for deciding if the city’s charter should be changed, faced only state referendum issues.

In Lewiston, voters were asked to elect a mayor, a City Council and a School Committee. However, few candidates faced opposition, and voter turnout was moderate at best.

Election workers in Lewiston said people started showing up as soon as polls opened, but seldom were any lines evident anywhere.

Many voters said that besides local issues, ballot Question 1, which would repeal the state’s extension of civil rights protection to gays and lesbians, was a factor drawing them to the polls.

Voters who were willing to say how they voted on the measure seemed largely divided.

Kester was reluctant to reveal his vote.

“I’ll plead the Fifth,” he said.

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