In an interview with MSNBC this afternoon, Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) said he was “cautiously optimistic” that Maine would vote today to uphold a law that allows gay marriages in the state. The law is threatened by a referendum that would repeal gay marriage.
In the interview, Baldacci recounted how the law “passed with some bipartisan support in the legislature” before he signed it into law back in May, but that “now people are trying to undo that.”
He continued that Maine is “sort of a quiet state” but “there’s a sense of live and let live, you know, and that we’re all together.”
When asked about voter turnout, the governor said he is “impressed with people who are working to keep the law in place,” and they are “cautiously optimistic” about the outcome of the vote. However, in order to uphold the law, advocates need “better than expected turnout,” and “both camps are very well organized” in getting supporters out to vote.
Early reports show turnout levels to be high. According to Politico, Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap described the turnout as “heavy and very steady,” and estimates that it may be “over 50%” for the state,” beating original projections of 35%. “You see a lot of feet underneath the curtains,” said Dunlop.
