Here’s what’s on the ballot in Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach Voters Set to Decide on Local Leadership and Communications Upgrade on Nov. 3

Old Orchard Beach, Maine – On Monday, November 3, residents of Old Orchard Beach will head to the polls to fill three seats on the town council, two seats on the school board, and to elect the town clerk. They will also vote on a $3.3 million bond to modernize the town’s radio communications system and choose representatives for state legislative seats.

Town Council

The council election will feature four candidates for three two‑year terms: longtime councilor Kenneth Blow, former state House member Lori Gramlich, incumbent Shawn O’Neill, and Michael Tousignant. Gramlich, a newcomer to the council race, is the only fresh face; the others are serving their second terms. Blow, who has sat on the council for 13 years and currently chairs its vice‑chair position, is also campaigning for the state House District 151 seat. In a recent voter‑guide interview, he said his priorities are “providing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in town and maintaining one of the lowest mill rates in southern Maine” and that he would work to bring more affordable housing to the community.

Gramlich, O’Neill and Tousignant did not respond to the same survey.

School Board

Three candidates are contesting two seats on the school board: David Boudreau, Peter Flaherty and Donna Moutsatos. Flaherty and Moutsatos are the current board members. Boudreau, a local sales director who previously served nine years on the board—including seven years as chair, has outlined a platform focused on fiscal responsibility, planning for a new school without increasing taxes and retaining staff through fair, sustainable contracts.

Town Clerk

Kim McLaughlin, the incumbent, is the only candidate for town clerk and was first elected to the position in 2024. During her tenure, she received the Lorraine Fleury award from the Maine Senate for her work in election security, her partnership with the police department, and her commitment to safe polling places.

Communications Center Bond

Voters will also decide whether to approve a bond that would spend $3.3 million to replace an outdated radio communications system used by Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and surrounding public safety and public service departments. The upgrade is intended to address communication problems that firefighters and police have reported. If the bond is rejected, the town will need to seek alternative funding and bring the question back to voters at a later date.

State Legislative Races

The municipal election coincides with statewide contests. In Senate District 31—which includes Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Buxton—voters will choose between incumbent Democrat Donna Bailey and Republican challenger Scott Eccleston. House District 131, covering Old Orchard Beach, will see a face‑off between Kenneth Blow and Democrat Robert Kelly. Because Gramlich is term‑limited, she is not seeking a seat in the House.

York County Votes

All voters in York County, including Old Orchard Beach residents, will also decide on two countywide measures: a referendum to abolish the county treasurer position and an election for a new sheriff.

The November 3 election will determine the town’s leadership for the next two years, shape local infrastructure and public‑safety communications, and influence the state’s legislative composition. The results are expected to be announced later this week.