SOUTH PORTLAND — The City Council unanimously voted Oct. 16 to hold a special election on Tuesday, Dec. 11 to fill the District 5 seat left vacant after Adrian Dowling’s abrupt resignation last month.

All districts will vote at the Community Center at 21 Nelson Road. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. 

Councilor Eben Rose reminded residents on Tuesday that voting is open to all South Portland residents, regardless of which district they live in. 

City Clerk Emily Scully said a special election held in the consolidated, centralized polling location is likely to cost the city approximately $4,500 for overtime pay, ballot printing and other costs. 

Nomination papers for the seat were made available Wednesday, Oct. 17 and must be returned to the City Clerk’s office by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

Candidates must be registered voters living within District 5, and collect 100 signatures from registered voters in South Portland. 

As of noon on Wednesday, Deqa Dhalac, of Red Oak Drive, was the only potential candidate to have taken out nomination papers, according to the city’s website. 

Absentee ballots will be available starting Friday, Nov. 9 at City Hall or by calling the City Clerk’s office at 767-3201 to have an absentee ballot mailed. Absentee ballot application forms can also be downloaded and mailed or dropped off at 25 Cottage Road or faxed to 767-7620.  

Absentee ballots must be requested by Thursday, Dec. 6, and returned to the City Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.


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