Besides being informed of candidate options, voters should be informed of what they will walk into on voting day. The voting taking place in York, Maine on November 5, covers the Presidential Election as well as many local ordinances, town and state representatives. More information regarding the local ordinances can be found in the 2024 official voting guide and on candidates official websites/platforms. Voting will take place at the York High School and despite the typical near 50% that utilize absentee ballots, a large turnout is expected throughout the day. Therefore, voters will most likely wish to vote efficiently to leave such a large setting with haste. In order to do that it is useful to know what other attractions will be available to them in the lobby area.
Starting with the general layout, voting booths will be as always in the gym. The non-profit tables will all be located in the multi purpose room to avoid bombardment upon entry to the auditorium lobby. Lynn Osgood, the York Maine town clerk, assures that voting will be conducted “safely and transparently”, even with increased volume due to the presidential election. As for the tables she states that any non-profit is wellcome as long as “what they are doing has nothing to do with what is on the ballot and they promise not to influence any voters”
Finally, what tables will be at the election? Starting with student run clubs, Model UN, Young Women’s Leadership, Interact club, speech and debate, all four classes (‘25, ‘26, ‘27, ‘28), and possibly more due to the variety of clubs available to students. Most of these groups will be fundraising for future events or plans. Still education related, but not student run include robotics, Yorkwise, Spanish explorers, and York Adult Education. As for town or general non-profits, Voter ID Citizens Petition, York History Group, and Be SMART will be in attendance as well. Exploring these tables could be a learning opportunity or a chance to buy some food, a fall drink, and support local nonprofits or student pursuits.
On voting day the masses will swarm to York High School to cast a ballot, York offers a good voting experience with many opportunities for local nonprofits to promote, which further adds to the voting experience, making it less strenuous overall.
