Under the Dome 2016 Maine Election Edition

It’s been a very busy and active campaign season in Maine, with candidates for federal offices and all Maine legislative seats, plus six ballot questions. We thought it timely today to provide you a quick overview of the unofficial election results in the state of Maine.  Under the Dome will resume its regular biweekly production schedule on Friday, November 18.  Meanwhile, we will tip our hats and join with others in expressing our deep gratitude to our nation’s veterans this Friday, November 11. 

All results are based on preliminary media reports. Election results must be certified by the Maine Secretary of State before they are official.

President of the United States: Winner – Donald Trump

In a very tight race for 270 electoral votes, Donald Trump emerged victorious in the early morning hours of November 9^th, with 276 electoral votes to defeat rival Hillary Clinton’s 228. In Maine, presidential-elect Trump received one electoral vote, representing a win in the 2^nd Congressional District. Though Hillary Clinton received the overall popular vote in Maine and the 1^st Congressional District, Maine split its electoral votes between its Congressional districts for the first time in the state’s history.

1st Congressional District Race: Winner - Chellie Pingree

Congresswoman Pingree was re-elected to her fifth term in the U.S. Congress.  Republicans maintained control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Congresswoman Pingree will again serve in the minority party during the next Congress.  She, however, plays a prominent role in this caucus and will likely maintain her position on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations.

2^nd Congressional District Race:  Winner –Bruce Poliquin

In a rematch of the 2014 2^nd Congressional District race, incumbent Republican Congressman Bruce Poliquin defeated challenger Emily Cain. The race, which was the most expensive in Maine’s history, and among the most expensive in the country, had been considered close, but Poliquin won with a 10% margin. Congressman Poliquin served on the House Committee on Financial Services during his first term.

Maine State Senate Races: 

The Republicans apparently have narrowly maintained control of the Maine Senate. A handful of seats flipped party affiliations, with the count being 17 Democrats to 18 Republicans.

Maine State House Races: 

The Democrats have maintained control of the Maine House of Representatives, by a narrow margin. With one race still left uncounted in House District 56, the breakdown leaves Democrats and Republicans with just a four-vote margin of difference.

*One seat left to be determined- District 56

Ballot Questions – Preliminary Results

Question 1

As of  late afternoon on November 9, Question 1 is too close to call. While supporters of Yes on One have claimed victory in a slight lead in the number of votes, the No on One supporters have not conceded their chances.  

*97% of precincts reporting

Question 2

As of  late on November 9, the results of Question 2 were too close to call. The question asked Mainers if they would support a 3% income tax surcharge on taxable income over $200,000 reported on the individual income tax form to establish a fund to support additional funding to K-12 public education.

*97% of precincts reporting

Question 3

Voters narrowly rejected a measure that would have required background checks for the sale or transfer of firearms between individuals, with certain exceptions.

Question 4

Voters approved an incremental increase in the statewide minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

Question 5

Voters approved a measure to adopt a ranked choice voting system for candidates for the offices of United States Senator, United States Representative to Congress, Governor, State Senator, and State Representative for elections held after January 1, 2018. 

Question 6

Voters approved a $100 million bond issue for transportation construction, to be matched with an estimated $137 million in federal and other funds.