Good News: Voter turnout in Maine higher than expected

[FreeState]

http://www.towleroad.com/2009/11/voter-turnout-higher-than-expected-in-maine.html

VOTER TURNOUT HIGHER THAN EXPECTED IN MAINE

Originally, Secretary of State Matt Dunlap had projected 35%. Now, Ben Smith at Politico reports:

"Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap told me just now that turnout there is far exceeding his projections -- news that would be good news for backers of same-sex marriage. 'We're seeing heavy and very steady turnout,' he said, attributing the surprise to the contested vote on a 'people's veto' of a same-sex marriage law driving Mainers to the polls. The city of Bangor -- Maine's third largest, and likely to tilt against repeal -- is projecting turnout over 50%, he said, and local analysts have said that higher turnout would likely favor the marriage law."

[onehandle]

1. Let's hope so. Righties might be bussing old folks to the polls en masse. nt

[FreeState]

2. Heres Pams House Blend running post on Maine

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/13917/maine-news-updates-tidbits-and-rumors

Many of the Dem strong holds are reporting record turn out already - lets hope its enough!:)

[polmaven]

3. My thought too.

I wonder on what he based his assertion that higher turn out favors the supporters of the current law. I have my fingers crossed that it does, but I don't know.....the anti crowd may be pulling out their vote instead.

[joeybee12]

4. I just hope it's because the GOTV effort for equality was greater

than the GOTV effort for stupidity!

[dsc]

5. because older voters are the most regular voters

thus an increase in turnout almost always means a younger electorate.

[raw oysters]

11. Thanks for explaining that, and it does make sense.

I'm perched on the edge of my chair for this one even though I'm far away. I REALLY hope the bigots lose this one.

[t0dd]

6. Turnout much higher than predicted

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says he now expects more than 50 percent of Mainers would vote by the time polls close today.

[unhappycamper30]

7. I really hope this bodes well for equality. I'm sitting here in WV with knots in my stomach. NT

[WillParkinson]

8. I share your knots...

Every time something like this comes up for a vote somewhere I hope people can move beyond hate. I'm always disappointed.

Let's hope this time there's something to celebrate.

[GodlessBiker]

10. Me, too. Many knots. I don't want to have that terrible feeling like a year ago with California.

It ruined my entire night last year.

Let's win this one!

[jonnyblitz]

14. same with me. At least i know my elderly Maine parents voted

the correct way. :thumbsup:

[Athelwulf]

9. That's great. But we'll see. n/t

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

12. High voter turnout is *always* good news for us!!

...however, the fundies and wingnuts could have generated awareness and activism around this issue, getting their voters out to vote FOR the measure.

[Starry Messenger]

13. Fingers crossed.

I'm even praying and I'm an atheist.

[NMMNG]

15. Forgive me if I'm less than hopeful (though I'll be thrilled if I'm wrong)

The higher than usual turnout didn't do anything good for Proposition 8 last year. :-(

[Unvanguard]

16. Maine is a different electorate, and this is an off-year election.

Higher turnout probably means younger voters, who are more inclined to support same-sex marriage. (First-time voters in California last year did oppose Prop. 8 by large margins.)

[ShadowLiberal]

17. Encouraging signs, I hope we win

Soon we can watch the early returns from Maine for a sign of which way things will go.