Driven by the convenience and a desire to avoid long lines next Tuesday, nearly one-fourth of the state’s voters have requested absentee ballots.
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions.
Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Maine voters overseas create processing backlog at Secretary of State’s Office
A spokeswoman says that overseas ballots will be processed before Election Day.
Mobile home fire that killed Saco man was intentionally set by victim, investigators say
But they don’t know why Stephen Laughton, 71, apparently killed himself by spreading gasoline and starting a blaze that singed a nearby home and caused an explosion.
Trump seizes on email issue to attack Clinton at rally in Lisbon
The Republican applauds the FBI’s decision to review more emails, calling it the “biggest scandal since Watergate” in an appearance before a rain-soaked crowd in a Christian school gymnasium.
Saco candidate for Maine House charged with aggravated assault
Mark Bedell, a Republican, was arrested Sunday, and Republican leaders say he should end his candidacy.
Maine towns seek to delay marijuana clubs, stores ahead of Question 1 vote
The language in Question 1 would allow marijuana social clubs and retail stores, but some municipalities want time to consider whether that makes sense for them.
Maine sits on millions in federal welfare dollars, yet poverty rises
The state has amassed $155 million in unspent funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in less than 5 years.
Maine Democrats making far bigger gains than rivals in registering voters
The party’s total is up 16,000, compared with 4,000 added to Republican ranks, as Maine registrations break a record with nearly three weeks still to go before the election.
Maine election officials dismiss claims of voter fraud, but brace for criticism
Municipal clerks and poll workers say that they’re confident in the system, and that any claims of a rigged election are ‘absurd.’
No major delays on first day of Bath viaduct closure
The reconstruction of the viaduct on Route 1 is slated to continue until at least Memorial Day 2017.