UPDATE: A rare tie in the election for a seat on the RSU 25 school board in Bucksport has triggered the potential for a runoff election in December. Both candidates, Emily Fitzgerald and incumbent Keith Kneeland Jr., received exactly 773 votes following a recount conducted on Thursday, leading to an unprecedented situation in the town’s electoral history.
The drama unfolded after Fitzgerald initially appeared to secure victory on election night, with unofficial results showing her leading Kneeland by 773 votes to 770. However, a recount requested by Kneeland revealed the tie, with 187 ballots left blank. Town Manager Jacob Gran confirmed that one ballot was unaccounted for from the total of 1,734 recorded votes, ultimately found in a box of state ballots—blank for the school board.
As of Friday, both candidates have seven days to decide whether to withdraw from the race. Neither has indicated plans to do so. Kneeland declared he is “1000% staying in the race,” describing the experience as “a giant roller coaster of emotions.” His journey has seen him go from believing he won to facing a recount, and now preparing for what could be a second election.
If both candidates remain in the race, state law mandates that the Bucksport Town Council will call for a runoff election. Gran indicated that at least 30 days of absentee voting will be required prior to the polls opening, meaning voters could head to the polls in mid- to late December.
Fitzgerald has not disclosed her intentions regarding the race, adding to the anticipation. The outcome is crucial for the communities of Bucksport, Orland, Prospect, and Verona Island, which all fall under the RSU 25 jurisdiction.
Both candidates are now gearing up for what could be a historic runoff, emphasizing the significance of local school representation. Kneeland expressed his commitment to fighting for the students, stating, “It will all be worth it though if I am lucky enough to end up getting to fight for the kids of RSU 25 for another three years.”
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
