What’s on the ballot in the Berwicks?
November 3 Election in Berwick, North and South Berwick Highlights Local and State Choices
On election day, November 3, residents of the Berwick area will head to school halls and town halls to decide a mix of local office holders, statewide representatives and county officials. While the two Berwick communities offer different options on the ballot, voters in all three towns will also face county‑wide questions and statewide House and Senate contests that could shape policy for the next two years.
Voter Logistics
In‑person voting will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee ballot requests must be filed by October 29, and absentee or early‑voting ballots must be turned in at the town clerk’s office no later than the close of the polls. South Berwick voters will cast their ballots at Marshwood High School, North Berwick voters will use the elementary school building, and Berwick residents will vote at the town hall.
North Berwick: Two Referenda
North Berwick’s ballot contains no local candidates, but two community‑wide issues are up for a vote.
1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment
The first question asks voters whether to adopt an amendment to the town’s comprehensive plan that would expand the defined “growth area” to match a recent state‑level policy. The change would encourage future development in locations already served by public water and sewer lines, rather than in more rural zones. A “no” would leave the plan unchanged until the town revises the ordinance again.
2. Data‑Center Ban
The second measure addresses the national debate over data‑center development. The town’s Select Board opted not to impose a moratorium, instead seeking voter approval for an ordinance that would ban facilities with a total data‑center footprint of 25,000 sq ft or more. Officials say no proposals have yet come to light, but they want to set a proactive policy to deter future large‑scale data‑center projects.
South Berwick: School Board and Town Council
South Berwick voters will choose new members for the school board and town council, with all contests uncontested.
School Board
The MSAD 35 school board has two seats up for election. One is a one‑year term; the other is a three‑year term.
- Perrin Chick will fill the single‑year term. In a response to the Press Herald Voter Guide, Chick said she will “prioritize honoring educators and residents’ concerns, and developing a robust educational experience possible while being mindful of budget.”
- Heather Holland seeks a full three‑year term. Holland was elected in 2020 and is a returning board member.
Town Council
Two seats on the non‑partisan South Berwick Town Council will be contested by four candidates:
- Jane Brekke
- Dorothy Maguire
- Ronald Fousek
- Anthony Palazzetti
Brekke and Palazzetti emphasized transparency, affordability and budget concerns in their voter‑guide statements. Maguire echoed the affordability theme and added a focus on improving downtown accessibility. Fousek did not submit a response to the voter guide.
Berwick: A Light Election Cycle
Berwick’s ballot will feature only state and federal positions—no local offices are up for election. Residents will vote for the same candidates as their neighbors in the two Berwick towns, but with no additional municipal contests.
State‑Level Races
House of Representatives
- District 148 (Western Berwick): Republican incumbent Thomas Lavigne faces Democrat Marissa Tasker, who also serves on the MSAD 60 board.
- District 149 (East North Berwick & part of South Berwick): Democrat Mallory Cook—currently the vice‑chair of the South Berwick Town Council—runs against Republican Timothy Towne, the Berwick Police Chief and recent interim town manager.
- District 150 (South Berwick, Eliot & part of Kittery): Democrat Alexandros Orestis opposes Republican Mark Zimmer.
State Senate
- District 35 (South Berwick): Incumbent Democrat Michele Meyer is challenged by Republican Julie Rakic.
County‑Wide Contests
All three towns will vote on the same York County positions.
Sheriff
- Democratic incumbent William King faces Republican challenger David Corbett. Independent Brian Pellerin withdrew from the race in September and became Wells’ police chief, but his name remains on the ballot because of timing constraints.
Treasurer
A referendum asks voters whether York County should abolish its elected treasurer position. The sole candidate for the role is Bobby Mills, who claims that keeping the office would save taxpayers money by eliminating a more costly budget‑committee position.
What This Means for Residents
With a mix of local governance choices, statewide representation, and county leadership decisions on the ballot, voters in the Berwick area have the chance to influence a wide spectrum of policies—from where the town can grow next to how the state legislature will shape the region’s future.
Whether you’re deciding between a single‑year school board term or voting on whether York County will keep an elected treasurer, the choices on November 3 will leave a mark on everyday life—from the quality of local schools to the direction of county finances.
As always, voters are encouraged to review the full candidate statements, attend town meetings, and ensure their ballots are submitted on time—either in person or via absentee mail—to have their voices counted in the next chapter of local and state governance.
