On the evening of Friday, May 15, the Waldo County Democratic Committee welcomed more than 70 community members to Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast for a public educational forum on election security, led by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
Secretary Bellows — the state’s top election official and a nationally recognized champion of voting rights — walked attendees through the latest on how Maine is protecting access to the ballot, pushing back against voting restrictions spreading across the country, and ensuring that every Mainer’s right to vote remains full and unimpeded. She took questions directly from the audience, sparking a lively and substantive conversation about what is at stake for our democracy and what each of us can do.
Maine has long led the nation in protecting voters — from the Maine Clean Election Act to being the first state to use ranked-choice voting in federal elections. Secretary Bellows made clear that tradition continues.
Resources from the evening:
- Shenna Bellows’ presentation slides
- Video of the forum
- [Law referenced during the forum — link coming]
A Note from WCDC Chair Paige Zeigler
Before the forum began, Waldo County Dems Chair Paige Zeigler spoke from the heart about the tragedy unfolding just miles away in Searsmont. Here are his words:
“Before we start, I would like to speak about the explosion in Searsmont today at the Robbins Lumber mill. When I was the State Representative from District 40, I was very aware of how important the mill was to the town, the district, the county, and to the state. In the 1970s I worked as a logger up north and out west. I saw a lot of companies cut and run, treating the forest as if it was not worthy of protecting for the future. In working with the Robbins family while I was in Augusta, I saw that they were dedicated to the area, providing jobs and supporting institutions — but as important, they saw the forest needed to be protected for the future. When I would visit the University of Maine’s structural engineering department, I often saw the Robbins family were there helping to prepare the future of the woods industry by developing new ways of utilizing wood products.
We don’t know the extent of the damage today or the severity of casualties. None of the people this morning knew that their workplace would end up exploding. None of the first responders knew what they would face. I would like us to take a moment to reflect on how a twist of fate can change the lives of people for some time. As you reflect, I hope that if the community needs help, we will meet the need.”
The community did meet the need. Before the evening began, instead of donating to the Waldo County Dems, attendees were invited to donate to support the families affected by the Robbins Lumber tragedy, and they responded with generosity — contributing nearly $600. Those funds will be directed to a reliable giving channel as soon as one is established — we will share that information when we have it.
One of the most immediate ways you can help in a crisis is to donate blood. Please find a local blood drive and give if you are able.