This Line to Register to Vote was an Especially and Consistently Long Line This Afternoon at East End Community School on Munjoy Hill.+

This Unidetified Volunteer Was Repeatedly Rude and Insulting to Those Around Him This Afternoon, His Behavior Required the Frequent Intervention of Election Officials.

Late this afternoon, voting was strong at East End Community School (EECS) on Munjoy HIll.  Election officials at times seemed more like traffic cops – trying to keep voters in the correct lines and trying to keep the unruly in check as well.

Late this afternoon, this blogger conducted an informal and unscientific survey to determine whether or not there were specific issues on the 2023 ballot that brought voters to the polls this election year.This blogger talked to ten people to get their reasons for voting this year.  No one was asked to reveal how they voted on issues, although some did happily volunteer that information.

“Everything on the ballot is important this year.  Nothing stands out,” said Sage Friedman.  This sentiment was the predominant reason that voters showed up at the EECS voting place on Munjoy Hill this blogger included in the tiny simplling of voters there.  Other than voting because it is part of an individual’s tradition to do so, there were two issues that were on the minds of voters,

The first issue on the minds of voters at EECS was an opportunity to vote NO on the small landlords attempt to roll back rent control at their unregulated whim.  Kim Simmons said she voted NO on # 1 because:  “It’s important that Portland be for all of us.”  Not just condo owners.  “I came to vote specifically to vote NO on number 1,” said Akaneh Semione-Draper.  This vote is an especially important vote in a city that caters to the wealthy condo owners and  discourages renters from living here. This blogger did not find anyone who voted “yes” on # 1 at EECS.

The second popular issue for voters was an opportunity to vote on whether or not Central Maine Power should remain or whether it should be replaced by Pine Tree Power.  The race for a Mayor of Portland followed up in third place with voters.  Simmons voluntered that she was excited to vote yes for Pine Tree Power over Maine Central Power (CMP).  On the other hand, Weston Scott said he voted against PIne Tree Power because CMP is a client of his  family’s business.  “I have lots of questions about the effciency of Pine Tree Power,” he added.

“I’ve voted in every election since I was 18 years old.  It’s a force of habit for me,” said Harison Terrell.  “I think its important to always vote whenever you can,” agreed Evie Clement.  Long-time Hill reisdent Ben Dudley said he was especialy interested in three issues in this election.  The first was the mayoral race.  The second issue for him was the  elimination of CMP in favor of Pine Tree Power, for which he voted no.  The third issue for him was the ban on foreigh involvement in US elections.

Portland polls closed at 8:00 pm this evening.  Stay tuned!