Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Sipayik made a strong statement in Tuesday’s referendum: The Down East tribal nation should not pursue the purchase of Eastport’s only grocery store.

The R&M IGA Foodliner, which closed last week after its owner retired, was the only full-size grocery store that serviced Eastport, a city of 1,300, and the tribal reservation of 600 also known as Pleasant Point.

Tribal officials asked voters in a regularly scheduled election whether the nation should complete the due diligence that would precede a purchase. A majority of voters, 237, opted not to continue down that road; 152 supported the measure, according to unofficial results posted on social media.

If the IGA does not reopen, residents along State Route 190 will have to drive 35 minutes or more to Calais for a full-sized grocer. Jeremy Edwards, president of Edwards Brothers Supermarkets, said Wednesday that he has talked with the IGA’s owner about buying the business. Edwards even inspected the property in person the week it closed.

With the economic outlook, among other factors, still under consideration, Edwards said no decision has been made, but confirmed “we’re certainly interested.”

Passamaquoddy voters on Tuesday also reelected Chief Amkuwiposohehs “Pos” Bassett and Vice Chief Evelyn Lewey to four-year terms, according to unofficial results. Rena Newell, the tribe’s former chief, will return to the non-voting seat in the state Legislature, which she previously held from 2018 to 2022.

Reuben M. Schafir is a Report for America corps member who writes about Indigenous and rural communities for the Portland Press Herald.