The Maine Campus spoke with 100 voters at the Collins Center for the Arts from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Of the Orono residents willing to participate, their age distribution breakdown is as follows:
Age 18 to 25: 28%
Age 26 to 33: 6%
Age 34 to 41: 14%
Age 42 to 49: 17%
Age 50 to 57: 5%
Age 58 to 65: 10%
Over 65 years old: 20%
Age distribution of interview participants in increments of seven
The oldest voter interviewed was 85 years old.
Approximately 70% of voters in the 18 to 25 year-old range expressed that it was their first time voting in the presidential primaries, and for some, the first time ever voting.
Of the 20 first-time voters, 15 registered at the polls moments before casting their vote. Three people registered in October, and two others did not have to register again since the 2023 midterms.
Sixteen first-time voters shared that they were eager to participate in the election, while four felt unenthusiastic about voting.
In terms of educating themselves on the local Maine candidates running this year, seven of the 20 first-time voters claimed they conducted extensive research. Ten voters shared that they “somewhat” researched candidates, while three people chose not to learn about the candidates in any capacity.
The 2024 referendum features one citizen’s initiative, three bond questions and one state referendum. A majority of the 100 participants interviewed throughout the morning were asked which of the five referendum questions they feel strongly about one way or the other. Disclaimer: some people mentioned more than one ballot question.
1. Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?
Five voters felt strongly about Question 1.
2. Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?
Nineteen voters felt strongly about Question 2.
3. Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?
Eight voters felt strongly about Question 3.
4. Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?
Thirty one voters felt strongly about Question 4.
“I think we need more investment in Maine. It’s clear to see we have crumbling roads and failing infrastructure,” said PhD Student Remi Geohegan.
5. Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?
17 voters felt strongly about Question 5.
Twenty two voters did not feel strongly about any of the questions. Several people specified that they are more interested in the outcome of the presidential election, as opposed to local races and referendums.
Strong opinions surrounding 2024 referendums
“I am here for one purpose only and it is to stop that man [Trump],” said Andi Bowen, director of Residence Life at the University of Maine.
