As the leaves change color and temperatures begin dropping, it feels like fall has finally arrived. The season change reminds me that Election Day is approaching, and there are a number of state and local matters that will be on the ballot this year. The Maine Secretary of State has created a helpful guide to explain what voters will be deciding on.
This fall there will be a citizen initiative, listed as Question 1, on the ballot. It seeks to implement a tax on higher incomes in Maine to fund in-home health care services for elderly and disabled Mainers, as well as to create a government board to administer the funds.
There will also be four bond issues that voters will have the final say on. Listed as Question 2 on the ballot, the first of these bonds aims to invest $30 million to improve existing wastewater treatment facilities and construct additional infrastructure where it’s needed. It would also help homeowners with aging septic or sewer systems.
As House chair of the Transportation Committee, I know firsthand how vital our roads and bridges are and that the Maine Department of Transportation works hard to stretch each dollar as far as possible. Question 3 on the ballot is a transportation funding bond with matching federal dollars. This funding would go towards projects such as rebuilding our highways, making bridge improvements and updating culverts where municipal roads cross over our streams. My years on the Transportation Committee have taught me how much we rely on a safe, well-maintained transportation system, from driving to work to businesses shipping products to enjoying all that the Maine outdoors has to offer.
Question 4 is an education bond asking voters to support a $49 million bond for improvements to university campuses and modernizing facilities. Should voters approve this bond, there is at least $49 million in matching funds to go towards these projects.
Question 5 asks voters if they favor a $15 million bond for education funding for Maine’s community college system. This bond would fund improvements at community college campuses across the state, from laboratory upgrades to making campuses more energy efficient. If the bond passes, Southern Maine Community College would receive $4.2 million to make repairs, improve energy efficiency and upgrade their information technology system. York County Community College would also receive funding from this bond, with $1.7 million earmarked for developing YCCC’s Industrial Trades Center in Sanford and upgrading their information technology systems.
In addition to the ballot questions, it is important to know that ranked choice voting will be used in the elections for Congress, which include U.S. Representative and Senate. If you would like more information on ranked choice voting, please visit the Maine Secretary of State’s website here.
If you aren’t sure you’ll be able to make it to the polls on November 6, absentee ballots are now available. You can request one in person or by phone with the town office or electronically on the Secretary of State’s website.
As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions or if you are having trouble navigating state agencies. It is an honor to continue to serve as your state representative.
Rep. Andrew McLean, D-Gorham, is serving his third term in the Maine House. He is House chair of the Transportation Committee and represents parts of both Gorham and Scarborough.
(207) 939-8482 | (800) 423-2900 | andrew.mclean@legislature.maine.gov