Sun, 11/02/2025 - 6:41pm

Ed O’Brien

The view from Masalin Road. (Photo by Ed O’Brien)

Tuesday is Election Day. 2025 being an off year, there is less to vote on then some years, most notably a couple referendum questions. There is a decent amount of buzz around these, and across Lincolnville signs have popped up in dooryards and at intersections, urging votes of yes or no on Questions 1 or 2.

There are also a number of other signs going up, for positions which won’t be decided for another year. Growing up in a fairly politically active household, I am certainly used to yard signs and bumper stickers advertising one’s political preference, but signs for a primary that won’t take place until June is certainly a newer development. To be fair, one of those signs stands in front of Sleepy Hollow.

This November, our household welcomes a new voter, a freshly minted 18 year old whose hand-me-down Honda Odyssey already sports a bumper sticker for her favorite 2026 candidate.

I don’t make secret my fascination with politics, and I probably spend a bit too much time scrolling through various news sites and videos, seeking information and insights, exploring different perspectives. What I find really interesting at this moment in time is how suddenly the voters of Maine have reached national prominence. One of our U.S. Senate seats is on the short list of both major parties as one to defend/flip.

Our senator up for reelection in 2026 is both very prominent, and controversial. A somewhat unconventional law maker, from an unconventional state. She is seen as uniquely vulnerable in the next election. The effort to nominate the candidate from the opposing party has attracted a number of challengers, but it seems to be dominated by two people at this early stage.

This seems to have captured the fascination of the political media. Two lifelong Mainers — one our two term governor, attorney, and long time politician, polarizing in her own ways, but also someone who has demonstrated Maine’s independence on the national stage; the other, a combat veteran, harbor master, and oyster farmer, expressing populist progressive and labor ideals, but with an unfortunate history of less than savory comments online — that is without even getting into that tattoo.

But I will leave it to my younger brother Andy to supply the deeper examination of this race. He is much better at that kind of thing.

I am finding it very amusing to read national journalists try to understand Maine. I will never not be entertained by the incredible misconceptions people have about our state, particularly those who have never strayed beyond our southern and coastal communities.

Political though I may be, I remain incredibly bothered by this notion that we break down into two sides. As you drive the roads of Lincolnville it is easy to make a judgement of what kind of person lives in the house where which sign is displayed. This is not completely unfair, as the choice to display a certain sign or fly a particular flag is an indication of the values a resident wants to show the community.

This does not, however, offer the full picture of who we are. I have returned to this concept repeatedly in my time writing about our little town, but I find in important. I recently joined the roughly 30% of Mainers unenrolled with any political party. As we no longer need to be part of party to participate in primary voting, I don’t see a reason for me to be part of a political party I do not believe does a good job of fully representing my values.

Will this change the candidates who I vote for? Probably not, but I’m a democracy nerd, I believe in voting, even if you have to hold your nose and check the box for the one you agree with the most; a perfect politician does not exist. This is one of the reasons I like that Maine implemented a Ranked Choice system, even if it might make things a bit more complicated for our town clerks.

I believe most people are probably much more in agreement than we admit even to ourselves. Growing up in a “purple” town -can we agree the whole red versus blue thing is ridiculous- you are bound to associate with people with a massive spectrum of beliefs and values. Rarely do these fully align with the policy positions of our two major political parties. If we want to persist with the red v blue narrative, nearly everyone of us is likely some shade of purple.

There are some values I absolutely cannot agree with, that I find abhorrent, but it is very rare that this translates to a person I find abhorrent. It is easy to look at history and see only the worst things people have done. These things are extremely important to learn, and one of my stronger beliefs is that we whitewash history for our children at our great peril- the mistakes of our history must be learned. That said, not one of us can be broken down by the worst things we have done, by the things we are still ashamed of, small in the grand scheme they may be. History is also made up of people doing wonderful things.

Wouldn’t it be nice to recognize the best that a person can be? The moments of kindness or of generosity? Unneighborly behavior, is unneighborly behavior, though, and it remains an important reality to consider when living in a small town.

I talk a lot about community, and community is not about ideology. It is about learning to coexist, and yes, to support each other in spite of values and ideology.

I am aware, of course, that being a middle aged, cis gendered, heterosexual white man grants me a lot of privilege to be so magnanimous, but I do not think this completely dismisses the sentiment.

So get out and vote, Lincolnville. They may only be referendum questions, but they are important. If you don’t know where you stand, do a little research, preferably from a couple different sources. See where the questions align with your values.

Continue to treat your neighbors in town with respect, and be kind. If only for yourself.

Library Happenings

Join the needleworkers Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Cribbage for Everyone will once again be held on Thursday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday morning, from 10 to Noon, the library will host an arts and crafts swap. Bring in your excess or unused crafting and art supplies, and/or acquire someone else’s unused supplies. All are welcome, even if you don’t have any supplies to bring. As we enter the darker colder months, crafting projects are very good for our mental health.

Alright Lincolnville, welcome to November. I assume many of you are making your Thanksgiving plans. Should you happen to be hosting, and have the space, maybe invite a neighbor or two who might not have anywhere to go.

Stay warm, and reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, November 3

School Board, 6 p.m. LCS

Tuesday, November 4

Election Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., LCS Gym

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Lakes and Ponds Committee, 7 p.m. Town Office

Wednesday, November 5

Library Open, 2-5 p.m., 208 Main Street

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee