DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a very old mechanical mantle clock that needs cleaning and oiling. Does Sun Spots know anyone who works on these clocks between Jay and Auburn or elsewhere? — No name, Jay.

ANSWER: For clock repairers in the area, Sun Spots has:

• Leroy Blauvelt, Porter Road, Dixfield, 207-562-8955;

• Rohman Clockworks, 350 Minot Ave., Auburn, 207-784-1211;

• Harry Hepburn III, Harrison, 207-583-2821; and

• Kirk Rau, Antique Clock Repair & Restoration, 167 Second St., Hallowell, 207-622-1283.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read with interest the inquiry about the Electoral College in the Oct. 27 edition of the Sun Journal. At least four times in our country’s history the candidate who won the national popular vote lost the Electoral College vote thus did not become president. One of them was Samuel Tilden who won the popular vote in the 1876 election but lost the Electoral College vote to Rutherford B. Hayes. Another one was Al Gore who won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. Thus it is that those states with a larger number of Electoral College votes play a bigger role in electing a president than the smaller states. I would add that one president was elected by the House of Representatives in 1824. This was because neither candidate, Andrew Jackson nor John Quincy Adams, won a majority of the Electoral College votes. Adams was elected president even though he won fewer popular votes than Jackson in the national election. I would be remiss in closing if I did not tell you that I find your column interesting and informative. — Charles, Auburn.

ANSWER: Thank you for sharing this history. The discrepancy between popular and electoral votes can be confusing, to say the least. Several states have laws binding their electors to their pledged vote, the state’s popular vote, but it is true that electors in the Electoral College do not necessarily have to vote this way. When they fail to vote for their pledged candidate they are a “faithless elector” but there is no real consequence. In Maine we have a law, Title 21-A §805, which states that presidential electors must vote for the presidential candidate who received the largest number of votes in the state or congressional district but without enforcement the elector can vote how they please without real punishment.

If there is no majority in the Electoral College then the president is elected by the House of Representatives. The 12th Amendment states that if no electoral majority is won, the three candidates who receive the most popular votes will be considered in the House. Thanks again for sharing.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The YWCA Central Maine will be having their Holiday Fair on Nov. 19. We are looking for donations in very good condition. Crafts, jewelry, knitted items, etc. would be appreciated. This year we are in need of a new Christmas tree. If anyone has a tree in very good condition that they would like to donate, please contact us at 207-795-4050. All proceeds from this fair go to help support programs for our community. Thank you for your support. — Louise, Lewiston.

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