Election information available for Houlton residents

HOULTON, Maine — A statewide referendum and municipal election will be held Nov. 3. Houlton Town Clerk Cathy O’Leary confirmed that polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Gentle Memorial Building, 128 Main St. The following information pertains to Houlton’s municipal election:
Absentee ballots
    O’Leary said registered voters can pick up absentee ballots at the town office, 21 Water St. through Election Day or have them mailed. However, all such ballots must be returned to the polls by 8 p.m., Nov. 3.
To request an absentee ballot by mail, a voter must call the town office (532-7111). An immediate family  member may pick it the ballot if accompanied by a written request from the voter.
Write-in candidates
A registered voter of Houlton can be considered a valid write-in candidate for any position on the municipal ballot by declaring his or her candidacy by Oct. 29. The required forms are available at the Town Office. A write-in candidate is a person whose name is not printed on the ballot but otherwise fulfills the qualifications for a designated office.
Political signs
A new ordinance passed Nov. 24, 2008 lists specific areas to place political signs. Political and campaign signs are not permitted within the right-of-way of a public way (road).
The ordinance reads as follows: A. Signs bearing political messages relating to an election or primary or referendum may be placed in the following locations six (6) weeks prior to the election, primary or referendum to which they relate and must be removed by the candidate or political committee not less than one (1) week thereafter: Union Square, Market Square, Monument Park, Pierce Park, provided said signs do not unnecessarily interfere with the vehicular or foot traffic in these areas.
No signs pursuant to section A may be erected or maintained on any traffic control signs or devices, public utility poles or fixtures, or on any trees.
B. Within all zones of the Town of  Houlton political campaign signs relating to an election or primary or referendum may be placed on private property with the landowners’ written consent six (6) weeks prior  to the election, primary or referendum to which they relate and must be removed by the candidate or political committee not more than one (1) week thereafter.
C. Signs bearing political messages may be placed on private property by the landowner or with written permission of the landowner.
For more election-related information contact the town clerk’s office at 532-7111.