Thousands of Maine voters are expected to go to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots on the most expensive referendum campaign in state history.
More than $60 million has been spent to sway opinions on Question 1, which asks voters whether they support or oppose Central Maine Power’s proposed 145-mile transmission corridor stretching from Quebec to Lewiston.
A yes vote supports the initiative, which would prohibit “high-impact” power line construction in the Upper Kennebec region and give lawmakers the final say on similar projects anywhere in Maine, as well as power lines and various defined activities on public lands going back to 2014. A no vote opposes the ballot initiative and supports NECEC completing construction.
Initiative opponents argue the project could help reduce greenhouse emissions and raise additional funds for clean energy investments in Maine. Initiative supporters claim the project will damage forests and fisheries and do little to combat climate change.
Voters will also be asked to decide two other state ballot initiatives. Question 2 is about a $100 million bond to build or improve roads, bridges, railroads, airports, transit facilities and ports, with the funds used to leverage an estimated $253 million in federal and other money. Question 3 asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment declaring the rights of all Mainers to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing.
Voter turnout could be higher than normal for an off-year election featuring no high-profile state or federal races, the Associated Press reported. More than 88,000 absentee ballots have been returned, which is ahead of the 2019 pre-pandemic election. But turnout is expected to be much lower than in 2020.
Most polling places are scheduled to open at 8 a.m. but voters should check with local officials. Voters are not required to wear masks, but most towns recommend them, AP reported.
Voters will also be asked to decide two other state ballot initiatives. Question 2 is about a $100 million bond to build or improve roads, bridges, railroads, airports, transit facilities and ports, with the funds used to leverage an estimated $253 million in federal and other money. Question 3 asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment declaring the rights of all Mainers to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing.
Voter turnout could be higher than normal for an off-year election featuring no high-profile state or federal races, the Associated Press reported. More than 88,000 absentee ballots have been returned, which is ahead of the 2019 pre-pandemic election. But turnout is expected to be much lower than in 2020.
Most polling places are scheduled to open at 8 a.m. but voters should check with local officials. Voters are not required to wear masks, but most towns recommend them, AP reported.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.