Voters had to create their own parking spots outside Harpswell Community School because of the large turnout for Election Day, Nov. 5. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record

Cheryl Golek was reelected on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to represent the Harpswell area in the Maine House of Representatives.

With 2,732 cast ballots, Golek defeated her competitor, Sean Hall (R), who received 1,978 votes, to represent House District 99, according to unofficial results posted early Wednesday morning. The district includes Harpswell and part of Brunswick. 

Cheryl Golek holds the doors for voters entering the Harpswell Community School on Nov. 5 for the 2024 elections. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record

Harpswell Town Clerk Cathy Doughty said 3,921 residents voted, including 2,258 absentee ballots. This accounts for 81% of registered voters. She called the election an “historic” race — never in her 21 years at the clerk’s office has she seen so many voters show up. 

Golek assumed the position in 2022 after her predecessor, Joyce “Jay” McCreight (D), served four terms. This was before redistricting. 

Golek has previously said she aims to continue working with local and state leaders to advocate for education and the fishing community. She also intends to focus on issues such as the lack of affordable housing and inaccessible health care. 

After clinching a win, Golek thanked those in the community who had participated in the voting process. 

“Words cannot adequately convey my appreciation for the individuals who selflessly contributed their time and energy to ensure my reelection,” Golek said. “Every one of you holds a special place in my heart. I am profoundly grateful for my family, who provide the encouragement and energy necessary to fulfill my duties as a district representative. As I embark on my second term, I will carry the ideas, stories and potential policies forged throughout these past two years.” 

“I would like to congratulate my opponent on winning her reelection bid,” Hall said. “I hope that she will be responsive to the needs of her constituents during future legislative sessions, particularly concerning policies that benefit working families and the working waterfront.”

Area residents supported all but one of the articles proposed as local referendum questions. Articles 2 (changes to the shellfish ordinance) and 4 (using Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for emergency services) passed 2,475-876 and 3,041-701, respectively. A vote to accept Article 6, the approval of a commercial solar farm at George J. Mitchell Field, was rebuked 1,393-2,344. Article 3 supported using federal funds for a boat launch and passed 2,349-1,258.