Early vote counts signal trouble for Maine's flag referendum

A proposal to redesign Maine's state flag appeared to be in trouble Tuesday evening, even though most communities had not yet reported vote totals.

Nearly 56% of voters, or about 144,000, opposed the redesign, with 30% of votes counted as of midnight. However, voters approved four other ballot proposals that, if approved after all votes are counted, will restrict political contributions and borrow $65 million in bonds to promote research and development and commercialization of Maine's technology industry, restore historic buildings owned by government and nonprofit organizations and develop and maintain trails.

For the latest Maine election results, visit pressherald.com.

Former state Rep. Sean Paulhus, D-Bath, sponsor of the 2023 bill that authorized the referendum, said before the final vote was announced that he was “very happy to have gotten this far, to get it through the Legislature and on the ballot.” Bringing ballots and ultimately getting out to the people.”

If Question 5 is approved, the current design featuring the official state seal would be replaced with one based on an original 1901 design featuring a pine tree and a blue North Star, commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag. Paulhus told his colleagues at the time of considering the law that the original flag was unique and easier to recognize.

The flag referendum followed years of debate over whether it should be changed at all and whether the pine tree should look realistic like the original version or more abstract like a design that has become popular in recent years and used on T-shirts and other merchandise. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows chose a lifelike adaptation of a pine tree in August with the original blue star and tawny background.

Bellows selected the winning entry from Gardiner architect Adam Lemire after a design competition that received more than 400 entries.

The proposal was not expected to have any financial cost to the state if passed. State agencies would use their budgets to replace the flag, assuming the transition to a new flag would be gradual as current standards become worn and frayed.

Here's a look at the other four voting questions.

QUESTION 1: A measure that would limit donations to political action committees that make independent expenditures to elect or defeat candidates for public office to $5,000 was on track for victory by a margin of 75% to 25%.

Maine law already limits contributions to candidates. This ballot measure, organized by Mainers to curb the influence of money in politics, would limit contributions to political action committees that spend money independently of the candidates. This would not apply to voting committees established to support or oppose state or local referendums, or to political party committees. Individuals and corporations would still be able to donate unlimited amounts to committees seeking to influence the vote on ballot measures, as well as to political party committees.

QUESTION 2: A bill authorizing the issuance of general fund bonds for research, development and commercialization led the way, supported by 53.6% of the vote.

A $25 million bond issue would be issued through a competitive process and leverage matching private and federal funding for research, development and commercialization by Maine-based public and private institutions that support technological innovation. The funds would be used for life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials, and precision manufacturing.

The ballot measure would make competitive bond grants available to provide matching funds for projects that advance commercialization and economic development in Maine. According to the state treasurer, the bond is expected to cost taxpayers $31.9 million, including interest over the 10-year repayment plan.

QUESTION 3: A bill authorizing a $10 million general fund bond issue to restore historic community buildings owned by government and nonprofit organizations was narrowly ahead at 50.3%. Bond funding requires a local funding requirement of 25% from private or nonprofit sources.

The state likely will award funding for the restoration of historic community buildings such as public libraries, town halls, theaters, art galleries and community gathering spaces through a competitive grant process. At an estimated interest rate of 3.75%, the 10-year bond would likely cost the state just over $12 million.

QUESTION 4: And voters supported a measure authorizing a $30 million bond to support the design, development and maintenance of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation by a margin of 55.5% to 44.5%. Funding must be matched by private and public contributions of at least $3 million.

Advocates say money is needed to stimulate rural economies and repair damage caused by last winter's storms. The Bureau of Parks and Lands would spend the money through a competitive grant process.

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