CAMDEN — Municipal clerks are the unsung heros of their communities, ensuring every detail of the democratic process remains on track, transparent and adhering to statute.

It is work that requires steady nerves, especially when a town runs out of ballots in the middle of election day and has to scramble to print more. Or, voting machines break down in the middle of a heavy turnout at the polls. Or any other crazy wrinkle that pops up when a few thousand passionate citizens arrive in a steady stream from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., eager to exercise their voting rights.

Camden Town Clerk Katrina Oakes knows those wrinkles, as well as the satisfaction in wrapping up another election day at the polls, with the numbers checked and rechecked, returns filed with the state, press notified with official results, and the lights finally turned off and doors locked.

Oakes has been overseeing the election affairs of the town for 23 years and nine months (plus additional years as deputy clerk). And Nov. 4, she wrapped up her final election at the Camden Fire Station, in advance of her Nov. 21 retirement date.

She thought maybe that was that, but her friends and colleagues thought otherwise.

Just after the clock struck 8 p.m. and Elections Warden Peter Gross declared the polls closed, Town Finance Director Jodi Hanson slipped in the rear door with a tray of prosecco-filled glasses.

It may have been time to count the numbers and see how the town voted on statewide questions 1 and 2, but first the town wanted to say thank you to Oakes, who was surprised by the appearance of Hanson suddenly by her side.

"For so many years, Katrina has been the heart and steady hand of our office," said Hanson. "Calm under pressure, organized, and always ready with a smile, no matter how long the day.... Katrina, we cannot thank you enough for your service, your integrity and your friendship. You've earned every bit of this next chapter. We will miss you dearly, and wish you nothing but happiness in your retirement."

Oakes was all smiles. She is looking forward to retirement, and has few plans but just to go home, and be home. She lives in Lincolnville and already, folks there are hoping she volunteer some of her expertise with the that town.

"It has been a privilege and honor," she told her colleagues in Camden as they toasted her. "I feel blessed to work with everyone over the years, and I am ready to go home."

Then, she and Gross got down to business adding up and verifying the numbers, making sure democracy was on track.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657