Absentee voting is underway leading up to Maine’s June 9 election. On Election Day, Cumberland residents can vote in person at Cumberland Town Hall between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

In addition to casting ballots for federal, state and gubernatorial primaries, here’s what Cumberland voters will have to decide on their municipal ballot.

TOWN COUNCIL

The Cumberland Town Council is the group of seven elected officials that makes policy decisions for the town. Brooke “Tig” Filson, current council chair, is running to represent Cumberland Center unopposed. There is one seat open to represent Cumberland at large and voters will pick one of two candidates for the three-year term. Here are the candidates:

WILLIAM “BILL” FOLLETT

What are your top three priorities?

Responsible growth — working to manage growth in Cumberland, one of the fastest growing towns in the state, while understanding the impacts of new state legislation on existing zoning.

Find ways to encourage housing that is affordable for young families, the workforce and seniors that is connected to existing services and fits in the community.

Continue to work to preserve the rural character, open space and natural resources that are defining characteristics of Cumberland.

Why are you running?

Cumberland is continuing to grow and will continue to over the next decade. I want to help shape and manage that growth in order to maintain the character of the town.

WILLIAM “BILL” YOUNG

What are your top three priorities?

My main priorities, should I be elected to the at large seat of the Cumberland Town Council, is fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers of Cumberland, efficient use of our tax dollars and efficient planning for the future of the town.

Why are you running?

I am running as explained in the previous line. I believe I have the knowledge, experience and insight to be a useful member of the Cumberland Town Council.

SCHOOL BOARD

The Maine School Administrative District 51 Board of Directors is a group of elected officials from both Cumberland and North Yarmouth that makes policy decisions for the shared school district. In June, Cumberland voters will pick two new representatives for their town from a group of three candidates for three-year terms. Here are the candidates:

MEREDITH KOERNER

What are your top three priorities?

Strive to maintain the excellent level of education currently provided. Engage an efficiency expert to identify areas of opportunity to reduce operational spending, inclusive of but not limited to a review of staff to student ratios and average class sizes. Encourage transparency with a 10-year detailed capital spending plan.

Why are you running?

I sense a lot of frustration from community members regarding our property tax increases, which are significantly outpacing cost-of-living increases. The yearly property tax increases are challenging for young families, but more so for those on fixed incomes. I would like to be a voice for those community members and encourage a careful review of all spending in order to find a balance supporting our schools with consideration for the tax burden on homeowners.

DAVID NOONAN

What are your top three priorities?

To have thoughtful use of technology in schools, no remote learning days, only in-person learning our children crave and provide fiscal responsibility our citizens are looking for while balancing the district priorities.

Why are you running?

To make a difference in my community, bridge the gap between citizens and district priorities. I want to support learning and growth of students. We have fallen very behind over the last 20-plus years, ever since technology was mandated in all public classrooms in Maine.

SARA STAPLES

What are your top three priorities?

Support educators and strengthen school climate by fostering a positive, collaborative environment where staff feel valued and can focus on the needs of all students.

Support education initiatives that will prepare students with 21st-century skills with instruction that builds communication, critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement.

Champion One Campus/One Community initiatives through thoughtful planning, clear communication, and responsible fiscal stewardship.

Why are you running?

After the Artemis II mission, astronaut Christina Koch described seeing Earth from space and realizing we are all “one crew on a lifeboat in the sea of the universe.” That image resonated with me and prompted reflection on how I contribute to my own community. I have a deep passion for education and broad experience, and I hope to use both — along with a collaborative spirit — to support MSAD 51’s dedicated, skilled “crew.”

SCHOOL BUDGET REFERENDUM

The people of North Yarmouth and Cumberland will vote on their school budget. The budget is set at $56.7 million, up 5.46% from this fiscal year.

The budget was initially pitched at $57.9 million in March. Following input from the community, MSAD 51’s board of directors and staff trimmed it, cutting items, including new classroom furniture, bus monitors, funding for a joint enrollment study and special education equipment to reduce the plan by 2.1%.

North Yarmouth and Cumberland voters adopted the budget at the district budget meeting on May 7.

WATER DISTRICT TRUSTEE

Cumberland voters will elect one representative for the Portland Water District’s board of trustees. William Lunt is the sole candidate.