Locally and across the nation it has been an historic election, from the first African-American President-Elect Barack Obama, to the record absentee turnout, and record volunteer participation.
In Damariscotta, more than 500 people voted early by absentee ballot, according to Town Clerk Cheryl Pinkham. That is more than 30 percent of the eligible voting population.
Damariscotta processed their absentee ballots on Monday, but were required to wait to count them with the election ballots on Tuesday night.
According to Bristol Town Administrator Kristine Poland, results were similar in Bristol, with almost 30 percent of the voting population choosing to cast more than 670 absentee ballots.
Bristol processed their absentee ballots in two batches on Tuesday, one in the morning and one in the evening.
On Election Day, Nov. 4, lines were light, if at all. According to staff in the town offices, the crowded times were just after opening, at lunchtime, and just before closing.
At each polling place, there was a poll watcher ensuring voters presenting themselves to poll clerks were actually eligible to vote in that town. In Bristol, Lori Chesebro and Allison Eddy were some of the poll-watching volunteers.
Chesebro explained Bristol could have as many as three poll watchers at a time, since they have three check-in stations for voters split according to the first letter of the last name.
The poll watchers need to listen close to hear each name called, but staff say it loud to help make sure they hear it, according to Chesebro. The poll watcher then compares the name to a list of registered voters to ensure the person is eligible to vote.
She explained there are a few common sense guidelines they follow: stay out of the way, be polite, and don’t reveal your party affiliation, she said.
Ballot counting across the nation commenced as the polls closed. In Damariscotta and Bristol, that meant ballot counting started at 8 p.m.
Damariscotta had 1373 ballots to count overall, according to Pinkham. Two ballots had to be voided, because they were signed or initialed, and 20 ballots were challenged. Even unused and spoiled ballots must be counted.
Pinkham explained Damariscotta had more first-time ballot-counting volunteers than usual. Thirteen freshman ballot counters showed up to help, along with seven seasoned veteran counters who’ve volunteered on previous election days.
Ballot counting volunteers were provided with snacks and drinks to assist them in their task. The refreshments and high spirits must have charmed the new volunteers, because one and all inquired about coming back again to help with the vote counting.
Counting continued Tuesday night until 11:30 p.m., and the volunteer counters left. Pinkham, and Cindy Sykes, stayed at the town office, ensuring the ballots were sealed and then locked in their tamperproof blue boxes.
