Voters went out in the rain Tuesday to defeat a racino in Washington County, defying polls that said residents would support a gambling parlor as long as it wasn’t in their back yard.
The vote was 52 percent against and 48 percent in favor, with 60 percent of the precincts reporting Tuesday night.
Dennis Bailey of Casinos No! predicted earlier in the day the vote would be a lot closer than people believed and hopes now the anti-gambling message is clear.
“It’s a huge message that Maine people don’t want more slot machines in Maine. Enough is enough,” he said. “I hope it’s a signal to get the other proposals off the table and let’s work for some real economic development.”
That may not be realistic. Even as voters were defeating the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s proposed racino in Washington County, petitioners were at the polls collecting signatures for a casino in Oxford County. But Bailey said Tuesday’s vote could help turn the tide.
“The people in Washington Country are going to feel really bad, angry and bitter,” he said, but “We believe this is the best thing for the state and the best thing for Washington County.”
The rest of the ballot was more predictable, although votes were closer than expected for some of the bond questions.
Ultimately, three bonds totaling $134 million passed, and voters resoundingly said no to a proposal that would allow legislators to spend more time in office by expanding term limits.
The vote on whether to extend term limits from four to six consecutive terms in either the House or the Senate, went down by 67-33 percent.
On the bonds, Question 2, which dedicates $55 million to research, development and product creation to stimulate new business in the state was passing, 51-49 percent, at 10:45 p.m.
Question 3, giving $43.5 million for capital improvements in the University of Maine System, at community colleges, Maine Maritime Academy and cultural and educational facilities in cities and towns, also was passing with a 51-49 percent margin.
Question 4, investing $35.5 million in land conservation and water access through the Land for Maine’s Future program and improving state parks, was the most popular item on the ballot, with 63 percent in favor and 37 percent against.
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