Records will likely be broken in Biddeford’s June 9 primary

Reports of long lines and strong voter interest were the highlights of this year’s primary elections, which will also decide the fate of Biddeford’s school budget

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Only minutes before the voting polls closed in Biddeford, a long line of voters were still waiting patiently so that they could cast ballots in this year’s primary election.

Candidates and several other observers said Tuesday’s voter turnout numbers will likely break municipal records for June elections, which includes a decision regarding this year’s school budget.

**THE LINE OF WAITING VOTERS** extended outside just moments before the polls in Biddeford closed at 8 p.m. | *Seaver photo*

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There is little doubt that intense media interest in Maine’s U.S. Senate race and rigorous, crowded battles in both the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries races played a role in significant voter turnout on Tuesday.

[This story will be updated with final results, verified by Richard Lambert of Biddeford, an Associated Press stringer who has long covered Biddeford election results.]

In addition to the senate and gubernatorial primary races, Biddeford voters were also asked Tuesday to decide which Democratic candidate they support to be the city’s next representative on the board of the York County Commissioners.

No Republican candidate filed nomination papers in the Dist. 2 County Commissioner race.

Democratic candidates Roch Angers and Doris Ortiz were both standing outside the high school Tuesday evening, chatting with voters and sharing stories of their shared frustration about damage and vandalism of campaign signs.

Angers, the older of the two county commissioner candidates, said he thought intense support for Graham Platner – a progressive Democrat – could hurt him in his own race for the Democratic nomination.

“I think people see me as more of a conservative Democrat,” Angers said. “So, if more liberal Democrats are turning out, I think that could hurt me.”

Ortiz, however, was hesitant to speculate about what was driving voter turnout or how it might impact her own campaign.

“It’s hard to know what individual voters are thinking or what is motivating them,” Ortiz said. “I’m just encouraged to see so many people engaged in the process.”

Linda Brooks of Biddeford said she didn’t mind standing in line for a few extra minutes on Tuesday. “I vote in every election,” Brook said. “They are all important.”

Norman Langevin, however, said he was motivated to vote on Tuesday in order “to put out the trash.”

Biddeford voters will also choose from a limited number of ward candidates to serve on the city’s Charter Review Commission.

[THIS STORY WILL BE UPDATED]

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