Maine voters “pulled the plug” on Pine Tree Power Nov. 7 with a resounding referendum election loss. On Question 3, voters said “No” to creating a non-profit power company, 262,197 to 115,807, with 85% percent of the statewide vote reporting to the Maine Secretary of State’s office. Pine Tree Power was one of three referendum questions defeated.

Question 3 was rejected statewide 69.4% to 30.6%. Locally, Boothbay region voters mirrored the statewide results. Boothbay Harbor, “No,” 673-274. Boothbay,” No,” 1,045-432. Edgecomb, “No,” 328-180. Southport, “No,” 231-85.

Question 7, which would have removed a residency and registered voter requirement to circulate petitions, was rejected, 248,042 to 115,097 ( 68.3%-31.7%). The current prohibition has been ruled unconstitutional by a Maine District Court. In Boothbay Harbor, “No” prevailed 518-386. Boothbay, “No,” 796-619. Edgecomb, “No,” 333-163. Southport, “No,” 182-126.

Question 8 would have allowed persons under-guardianship for mental illness to vote. This prohibition had been ruled unconstitutional by a Maine District Court, but voters rejected it anyway, 248,042-115,097. This was the closest referendum margin at 53.2% against, and 46.5% for.  In Boothbay Harbor, “No,” 518-386. In Boothbay, “No,” 796-619. Edgecomb, “No,” 254-247. Southport, “No,” 182-126.

Referendum questions approved included requiring voter approval for quasi-governmental entities and all consumer-owned electric utilities from taking on over $1 billion in debt. Question 1 was approved by a near 2:1 margin (240,567-128,047). In the Boothbay region, Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay, Edgecomb and Southport all registered strong support for Question 1. Boothbay Harbor, “Yes,” 590-326. Boothbay, “Yes,” 903-538. Edgecomb, “Yes,” 309-189. Southport, “Yes,” 187-124. 

Question 2 had by-far the largest victory statewide. Voters supported banning foreign governments and their entities that they own, control, or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions. Maine voters supported the measure 324,076 (86.4%) to 50,993 (13.6%). Maine already prohibits foreign contributions to candidates. Boothbay Harbor, “Yes,” 778-67. Boothbay, “Yes,” 1,232 -231. Edgecomb, “Yes,” 450-60. “Southport, “Yes,” 262-51.

Question 4 received the second-most voter support. The “Right to Repair” question won, 317,269 to 115,807 (84.3% to 15.7%). Locally, Boothbay Harbor, “Yes,” 778-67. Boothbay, “Yes,” 1,232-231. Edgecomb, “Yes,” 433-76. Southport, “Yes,” 262-51. 

Question 5 modified the initiative process by changing the time period for judicial review from 100 days within the filing date to 100 business days. The measure was approved 213,423 to 153,815. In Boothbay Harbor, “Yes,” 525-383. Boothbay, “Yes,” 810-624. Edgecomb, “Yes,” 318-178. Southport, “Yes,” 165-141.

Question 6 was approved 268,725 to 99,257. This requires future printing of the state Constitution to include passages referring to “Wabanaki tribes” which were omitted in printed copies dating back to 1876. In Boothbay Harbor, “Yes,” 640-247. Boothbay, “Yes,” 1,017-429. Edgecomb, “Yes,” 385-110. Southport, “Yes,” 208-95.