Gorham voters turned out in small numbers on July 14 to pass a $46.4 million school budget by a nearly two to one vote. The Town Council had reduced the $46 million budget submitted by the School Committee by $1.6 million. The combined municipal and school budget totals $66.2 million and will result in an estimated mil rate increase of $0.49. Voters chose overwhelmingly to continue voting annually on the school budget referendum.
Candidates of both the Republican and Democratic political parties were unopposed with the exception of Cumberland County District Attorney. Democratic voters in Gorham chose Jacqueline Sartoris over incumbent Johnathan Sahrbeck. By law unenrolled voters were not permitted to vote for primary candidates. However, the state legislature has passed a law taking effect in 2024 that will allow unenrolled voters to participate in either a Democratic or Republican primary election.
Like the total number of registered Maine voters, about one-third of Gorham voters are unenrolled in a political party.
The four referendum questions that authorized the Town Council to spend funds already budgeted for infrastructure projects also passed overwhelmingly. Voters are required by law to approve expenditures over $250,000 even when this requires no additional new funds. Jane Sexton, who ran unopposed, was elected a Portland Water District Trustee.