Voters WGAN’s Andy Mounter caught up with after voting on Buxton described a mix of economic worries, frustration with government and competing views about what elected officials should prioritize. No single issue emerged as everyone’s concern.

For Jesse Parker, the cost of living and electricity bills were top of mind. “Cost of living … somebody needs to work on our power. How much our power costs here in Maine?” he said.

Dana Brand also pointed to the economy, along with the war and the importance of working with U.S. allies.

Several voters voiced frustration with government and its priorities. Doug McClure said elected officials “worry so much and fight with each other that they have their own agenda instead of what’s best for the people.”  Brian called for “less spending and more watching over money being spent in the state of Maine.”

Cynthia Pruitt said she wanted government to address what she described as fraud and waste, and to focus on the economy. Those were her concerns; the interview did not independently verify the claims.

The interviews also reflected differing views on candidates and social issues. Cameron Gray said he voted for Troy Jackson because he did not like how Senator Susan Collins was representing Maine. He also called for “basic human decency” and said he did not believe government should control abortion decisions.  Other voters interviewed said they voted for Collins or Republican candidates.

Taken together, these short conversations point to a range of voter priorities: affordability, the economy, government accountability and personal freedoms. They are individual perspectives, not a representative poll of Maine voters