Group Seeks to Reverse Polling Place Consolidation

Photo: TungArt7 from Pixabay

By Renée Morin

Five Sanford-Springvale voters are seeking to circulate a petition to overturn the City Council’s decision to have all votes cast at one polling place instead of three, beginning with the Nov. 5 election.

If they’re successful, the group – calling itself the Overrule Committee – would have 30 days to collect signatures from at least 5 percent, or 797 of the city’s registered voters. This could lead to a public hearing and then a referendum if enough signatures are validated. A referendum would take place next June at the earliest.

The council’s Aug. 6 vote to consolidate polling at Sanford High School for greater efficiency and safety followed a public hearing featuring a few supporters and many opponents and has since sparked criticism online. The vote was 5-2, with councilors Nathan Hitchcock and Jonathan Martell dissenting. Opponents say the change will make it harder for residents to vote, especially if they have transportation or mobility issues. Supporters say transportation will be available and note that anyone may vote absentee. Many larger communities in Maine already use one central polling place.

Because of the length of time required for each step in the appeal process, the drive won’t affect the presidential election. The referendum would be held at the next election, in June 2025, and would require a majority of voters to vote to overturn the council’s decision. The total number of voters for and against the measure would have to equal at least 25% of the voter turnout for the last gubernatorial election.