Question 1, the ballot measure that would tax and regulate recreational marijuana, remains too close to call nearly 24 hours after the polls closed on Tuesday. Supporters declared victory early Wednesday morning after the Bangor Daily News called the race in their favor, but opponents are refusing to concede.
With 97 percent of precincts reporting, the Yes on One campaign is leading by about 3,500 votes. And for opponents, that’s just too close to call.
Scott Gagnon with Mainers Protecting Our Youth and Communities, which is not ready to throw in the towel quite yet, says in addition to an already close margin, his campaign has become aware of several thousand ballots that have not yet been counted, including 2,700 absentee ballots in Scarborough that may not have been included in the town’s final tally.
“That’s important for us because, as of now, Scarborough was sort of in our win column. We’re also learning from the secretary of state’s office that some of the overseas ballots from service members have also not been counted, and that could be up to 4,000 ballots that have yet to be added,” he says.
At this point, Gagnon says, unless the results swing dramatically in favor of the Yes vote, his group is leaning heavily toward asking for a recount.
Meanwhile, supporters of recreational marijuana legalization have already declared victory. They gathered on the steps of Portland City Hall Wednesday morning to remind voters that it will take at least a year to implement regulations for retail sales.
“Ideally, marijuana will be legally sold in stores Jan. 1, 2018. That’s a great goal and we’re gonna shoot for that,” says David Boyer, the campaign manager for Yes on One.
Boyer says regulations could include requirements for childproof packaging for marijuana edibles that appeal to children along with a prohibition on certain types of candy.
