Unless someone mounts a write-in campaign in the closing days before the Nov. 3 election, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth may have to call a special election to find someone to represent the communities on the Portland Water District Board of Trustees.

If not, residents will be without representation until the next general election. 

Clerks in both communities said this week that they are unaware of anyone who is interested in the seat, which failed to attract any candidates by the deadline to get on the Election Day ballot. 

“Certainly, (the water district) is hoping someone will step forward,” said Debra Lane, Cape Elizabeth town clerk and assistant town manager. “We’re just going to run the election and see what happens.”

South Portland Assistant City Clerk Jennifer Scholtz said that voters must write in a candidate’s full legal name and street address for their votes to count. There is no minimum vote requirement, she said. 

PWD spokeswoman Manager Michelle Clements said the seat must be filled through the electoral process. The communities do not have the option of appointing either a permanent or interim representative, she said.

The seat was previously held by Cape Elizabeth resident Mark Duval, who ran uncontested in a special election held in January following the death of Peter Larsen, who served on the board for 14 years. 

Polls will be open on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in both communities.

 

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