DEAR SUN SPOTS: A fall 2018 get-together is being planned for the Lewiston Dale Carnegie class of 1978. Current contact information is needed for the following members: Cindy Delcourt, Dan Dube, Ron Fournier, Jane Gagne, Adria Hahnel, Kim Hale, Larry Lavoie, Tom McFadden, Paul Paradis, Greg Sawyer, Larry Wells, Ken Williams as well as instructor Roger Niebur and assistants Norm Michaud and Carlene Morgan. Please contact Ron Jacques at 783-6279 or Roger Nadeau at 795-6373.

–Ron, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again, bravo to the student musicians at Poland Regional High School. On May 23rd they again presented a terrific evening of musical skills with gusto. Both the band and the choral group did themselves proud under the direction of Larry Williams and Julia Edwards. They will also be performing a “Small Ensembles” Concert at Poland Spring Resort on June 18th at 6:30 p.m. Believe me, it will be worth the trip.

–Susan, no town

ANSWER: I just have to interject that I am always wowed by the talent and enthusiasm of our local young musicians. I go to these school concerts every chance I get and always come away with a full heart of gratitude that music is alive and well in our schools. Please attend and donate to these groups whenever you can.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding ranked choice voting, I have one choice for governor. Can I put that name down on each line? I don’t want to vote for several different people. So how would that work?

–Gail, no town

ANSWER: It is perfectly acceptable for someone to vote for just one candidate and not rank any other choices. To understand how ranked choice voting works, there is a wealth of information on the Maine

Secretary of State web site at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/rcv.html and the League of Women Voters site at http://lwvme.org/RCV.html

There are also voter guides at nearly all libraries that are very well done and simple to read. The Lewiston City Clerk’s Office has established a Voter Information Table at City Hall on the second floor to provide residents with materials regarding Ranked Choice Voting. Handouts include copies of the sample ballots for the June 12 State Primary election for both the Democratic and Republican Parties as well as basic information from the Maine Secretary of State about Ranked Choice Voting.

Lewiston City Hall also wants residents to know that absentee ballots are currently available. Registered voters needing an absentee ballot can contact the City Clerk’s Office to order one, mail an application form that can be downloaded from the City’s website, or come to the City Hall. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm.

The City’s website contains sample ballots, directions to polling places, videos on Ranked Choice Voting and other information that voters may find useful. The website address is: www.lewistonmaine.gov/elections . The statewide deadline to request an absentee ballot for this election is Thursday, June 7. Voters are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office at 513-3124 with any questions they may have regarding the election process.

If you want to dig deeper to see how the counting will work, there are two very helpful YouTube videos available to help people at Minnesota Public Radio: https://youtu.be/oHRPMJmzBBw and Maine Secretary of State: https://youtu.be/xcGGH7E_vNk.

Thank you to Denise Schwartz and Lewiston City Clerk Kathy Montejo for this information!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link