Town of Scarborough Voter Guide

Election Day is November 3rd and early voting started this week. Are you ready to vote? Follow this simple guide to make a voting plan, including when and where you'll vote, what's on the ballot, and more.

Register to vote if you are a new voter or this is your first time voting as a Scarborough resident. If you've voted in a Scarborough election before, you are still registered. However, if you have had a name change or an address change within Scarborough, we ask that you update your information prior to voting.

Voter registration is available in person, or online until the “closed period”, Wednesday, October 14 (21 days prior to the Election). After October 14, residents who register to vote must do so in person in the Town Clerk's Office or at the High School on Election Day. When registering to vote, please be sure to bring a Government issued ID and something with your Scarborough address, if your ID does not have it.

Extended Hours for Voter Registration

The Town Clerk's office will be open late on Wednesday, October 28 from 5:00-7:00pm for voter registration. The extended hours are for voter registration only, and early voting will not be available during this time.

Choose how you'll vote:

Early In-Person

Vote at Town Hall during our regular open hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:00am – 5:00pm, through Thursday, October 29.

Extended Hours: Saturday, October 24

Early voting will be available outside of our regular hours on Saturday, October 24 from 8:00am-Noon. (Note: There will also be a Conversations with Councilors event at 10:30am this day at the Public Safety Building. Details below).

Early by Absentee Ballot

Request your absentee ballot by October 29. Any voter requesting an Absentee Ballot after this date must complete a Special Circumstances Application.

Drop off your completed ballot anytime (24/7) in our secure Drop Box outside of the Town Hall entrance up until 8:00pm on Election Day. Or, drop it off inside Town Hall in the Clerk's office during business hours, Monday to Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm, up through Tuesday, November 3.

In-Person on Election Day

Voting will take place at the Scarborough High School, located at 11 Municipal Drive from 7:00am – 8:00pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

There are 2 ballots: 1 Municipal General/Referendum Election ballot and 1 State General Election ballot. Both ballots are two-sided, so be sure to double check when voting that you have voted on both sides. Review the sample ballots on our Town Clerk webpage for a look at the candidates and referendum question ahead of time.

Get acquainted with what's on the local ballot. It's two-sided, with candidates on the front and a referendum question about radio upgrades on the back. Read on to learn more.

Municipal General: Candidates

Meet the candidates on the local ballot.

Elected Officials

Elect candidates for the Town Council, Board of Education, and Sanitary District Board of Trustees. The candidates are:

Town Council 3 seats, 3-Year term to expire 2029

• Isha Agarwal

• Lawrence Cain (Incumbent)

• Samuel Cofone

• Sean Flaherty

• Denise Hamilton

• Jessica Sargent

• Russell Wayne Werts

School Board 1 seat to fill a vacancy, term to expire in June 2028

• Andrew Guillerault

• Stephen Zamierowski

Sanitary District Trustees 3 seats, 3-Year term to expire 2029

• Matthew Garrett

• Jason Greenleaf

• Denis Lafreniere Jr.

• Benjamin McDougal

Per the Town of Scarborough's Charter, all elections shall be conducted on a nonpartisan basis and without party designation on the election ballot. 

Candidates Night was held Tuesday, September 22. Watch here.

Town Council Candidates

Isha Agarwal is an emergency room doctor and mom of three young kids. She is running for Town Council because she is passionate about strong schools and safe roads. 

"Last budget cycle, the Town Council contemplated drastic cuts to the school budget including all afterschool programming. Schools are our Town’s biggest investment and we need Town Councilors who understand what these tradeoffs mean for the students. I believe we can be fiscally responsible as a town without cutting the services that make Scarborough schools strong. Safe roads are personal for me as I have treated several patients in the ER with injuries resulting from crashes in Scarborough." 

As town councilor, Isha would prioritize slower growth, mixed-use zoning, and connecting walkways and bikeways to improve road safety.

Larry Cain was elected to the Scarborough Town Council in June 2025 and currently serves as the Vice Chair. He is also the current Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Communications Committee, and acts as the Council liaison to 4 other boards and committees. During his career, he owned and operated a successful small business for 35 years, succeeding by treating employees, clients and suppliers with fairness and integrity. He first came to Scarborough 60 years ago and still shares a seasonal family cottage with six siblings and all of their kids. In 2011, he and his wife Cathy bought a home in Scarborough and now live here permanently.

"I am running for reelection to Town Council based on the success of my first term. Using a strategy of thorough preparation, building consensus and respectful deliberation has led to achieving very positive outcomes for our town.  

Highlights include managing the budget team to achieve a 3.09% tax increase, which is below the rate of inflation, and about half the rate increase that was originally proposed. In addition, I tackled growth by limiting the number of permits issued to the lowest possible amount and increasing impact fees to developers. Increasing the Senior Property Tax Credit by 20% addressed the constant challenge of affordability.  

If reelected, I will continue to focus on managing growth while working on other initiatives like prohibiting data centers, conserving vulnerable land and restraining tax increases.  

While there are significant challenges ahead for the Council, I feel very fortunate to live in a community with natural beauty, safe neighborhoods and caring people. Thank you!"

Samuel Cofone is retired from a career in law enforcement and is a motel owner/operator on Route 1 in Scarborough. He is 63 years old and a 25-year resident of our community.

"I am running because I want to see the Town and School government run more efficiently and with better customer service. My priorities include slowing growth so infrastructure can catch up, cutting unnecessary spending, and increasing transparency/accountability.

I hope to accomplish a one-year pause on new building permits to allow infrastructure to catch up and find equitable ways to cut spending."

Sean Flaherty is a lifelong Scarborough resident who served Scarborough years ago as a State Representative and member of the Energy Committee.

"I’ve stayed involved and never been afraid to speak up for what I think is best for our town. So the issues facing Scarborough are not new to me.

You deserve an effective and efficient town government, focused on the need to slow the unsustainable growth. That includes stopping data centers and dealing with the ICE detention facility; I do not believe that either belong in our community. We must address traffic issues and infrastructure as top concerns. We can continue to support strong schools while respecting our seniors so they can afford to keep living in their homes.  

I will continue supporting both conservation and access to our public land. It needs to be a Council goal to always be responsive to people’s concerns. I’m looking forward to again helping fellow taxpayers and working for all of the people of Scarborough. I hope to earn your support and would be honored by your vote."

Denise Hamilton has called Maine home since 1987 and has lived in Scarborough since 2013. Her background includes more than 45 years in business operations and finance, including 12 years as an Assistant Controller. For the past 12 years, she and her husband Warren have co-owned ASM Graphics, a Scarborough-based sign and graphics business.

"For several years, I’ve been actively involved in Scarborough issues, regularly attending Town Council, Planning Board and committee meetings, researching ordinances, budgets, growth, development and infrastructure, and speaking with residents, Town staff and elected officials.

That involvement is what led me to run for Town Council. I believe good decisions start with good information. My approach is 'Facts Over Politics'—research the issues, ask questions, listen to residents, and consider the long-term and financial impacts of decisions.

I want to help ensure Scarborough’s growth is thoughtful and supported by adequate infrastructure and services, while focusing on responsible spending and transparency. Most importantly, I want residents to have a Councilor who listens, independently researches issues and works toward practical, well-informed decisions for Scarborough’s future."

Jessica Sargent is an environmental economist with a master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine, and nearly 25 years of experience in conservation and environmental policy. Her career has included consulting, working with a national nonprofit, and running her own small business.

Jessica currently serves on Scarborough’s Parks and Conservation Land Board, where she previously served as chair and led the committee that recommended the Town’s $6 million land and water conservation bond, later approved by 62% of voters. She has also served as vice chair of the Conservation Commission.

"I am running for Town Council because Scarborough is growing quickly and I want to help ensure that growth keeps the town affordable, welcoming, and resilient. I would bring a practical, data-based approach to decisions about conservation, infrastructure, housing, and municipal spending by focusing on:

• Continuing to conserve what makes people want to live here.

• Building critical infrastructure meant to last. Investments like drainage, roads, and pump stations adapted for stronger storms and a rising sea, and sited out of harm's way.

• Prioritizing workforce housing, so the people who staff our businesses and schools can afford to live in the town they serve.

All three come back to the responsible use of taxpayer money. New development should pay its fair share of the roads, schools, and public safety it requires. Scarborough should pursue every grant and matching dollar available. And the Council should be transparent about the tradeoffs."

Jessica has lived in Scarborough for 7 years with her husband, Shawn, and their two golden retrievers, Cosmo and Nova.

Wayne Werts is retired from a long career in public service. He spent 33 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Auburn Fire Department and then as Chief. He was also the Interim Director for the Auburn/Lewiston 911 System, Assistant Director for Atlantic Partners EMS, served as Chair on the State of Maine Emergency Medical Services Board, and was elected to and served in the Maine 126th Legislature. He is also a small business owner.

"I would like to bring my experience and background in municipal and state government to the table for great debate and discussion around the issues and challenges for our town. I would bring an open mind and critical thought to each one for helping to resolve.

After spending several nights at council meetings just to listen and see what might be the hot buttons for us, I continually heard comments on growth, infrastructure, traffic, and taxes, as well as the ICE issue that has come to light as of late.

There are many more issues and challenges than just these and I look forward to hearing and learning as much as I can."

Board of Education Candidates

Andrew Guillerault is a stay-at-home dad of two middle-school-aged daughters, a longtime youth coach, and a former Scarborough School District employee. His oldest daughter has special needs and having sat through plenty of IEP meetings, he knows how confusing that process can be for parents. His wife teaches in a nearby district, giving him another window into what teachers face. Andy is a fierce advocate for kids and brings a fresh unique perspective to the Board of Education.

"Every kid in Scarborough deserves a school system where they are safe, known, challenged, and given real opportunities to succeed. We have strong schools and a strong board that takes its responsibility seriously, and I want to help build on that. I will bring preparation, effort and follow-through to every decision: listen all the time, study the facts and follow the data, respect the parents’ perspective, and support teachers. Every dollar comes from our neighbors, so making sure it is well spent will always be part of the equation. And I will keep asking whether our choices are working for the kids."

Stephen “Zam” Zamierowski retired from a 40-year business career five years ago and has been serving the community since then. He is a substitute teacher for Ketcha Outdoors' Farm & Forest Preschool and a wilderness skills specialist for their camps and after-school programs. He is also a guide for Rippleffect, where he teaches communications skills, problem solving and teamwork through outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, ropes courses, camping and exploring our local woods and waters. 

Zam is also the chair of Scarborough’s Parks & Conservation Land Board and serves on the Town’s Housing Alliance. His two daughters’ families live in Scarborough. He and his wife, Mary, have two granddaughters, a first grader at Blue Point and a third grader at Wentworth. They call him Zampa. 

"I am running for School Board because I believe the strength of our democracy and economy depend on strong publicly-funded schools that enable each student to reach their full potential, regardless of how they process information, their academic needs and their socio-emotional profile. 

As a school board member, I will use my educational and business background to help Scarborough schools continue to deliver a high-quality educational experience, operate in a fiscally-efficient manner and function as a good steward of their tax-based resources."

Sanitary District Board of Trustees Candidates

Matthew Garrett has over 25 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of sewer systems. He has owned a Scarborough-based excavating company for the past 18 years, and has lived in Scarborough since 1987. 

"I have seen a relatively high success rate advocating for small businesses and homeowners when Town fees or policy seem unreasonable. I find creative solutions to tangible problems using a practical approach, sharp attention to details, and tenacity."

Matt attended Scarborough schools and West Virginia University and UMaine for civil engineering and construction management technology, where he decided his interests were better suited in the execution of civil projects over their design and left the program.

Jason Greenleaf is a lifelong Scarborough resident and local business owner running for re-election. He has been on the board since 2008, serving as Chairman for 4 years and most recently as Treasurer.

"I am very proud of the Board's accomplishments over the past 18 years and will look to continue our successes. With the exponential growth the town is currently experiencing, it will be paramount to expand our infrastructure while keeping user rates affordable. If re-elected I will continue working closely with my fellow trustees and the staff at the Sanitary District to continue as one of the best run districts in New England."

Jason is married with two children and has also served the community as a Scarborough Firefighter for 27 years.

Denis Lafreniere Jr. is a Maine-native with over twenty years of experience in the commercial property management industry.  Denis is currently the Director of Property Management for the Roman Catholic Diocese and manages facilities across the State of Maine.

Denis has lived in Scarborough for the past 19 years with his wife and three daughters.  He has been a coach for the Scarborough Soccer Club for many years and is an active member of St Maximilian Kolbe Parish on Black Point Road.

Denis holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in finance from Loyola University and certificates in Property Management and Construction Management from Boston University and Roger Williams University. He has served on a number of boards including Deering Pavilion Senior Housing, Diocesan Cemetery Committee and Catholic Charities Finance Committee.   

"I would like to utilize my skills to assist the ongoing efforts of David Hughes and the staff of the Sanitary District as they continue to provide excellent services to the community. I am excited about this opportunity to serve."

Benjamin McDougal grew up in Saco and has lived in Scarborough with his family for the past 14 years. He has worked in Cape Elizabeth as the Code Enforcement Officer for 14 years. 

"It has been a pleasure serving on the Sanitary District Board for the past 6 years. The District has made many improvements during my tenure to ensure exceptional wastewater treatment while keeping our rates affordable. I look forward to continuing this trend into the future."

Municipal Referendum: Town-Wide Radio System Upgrade

Bond request for up to $6 million

This question will be on the back of the local ballot.

The radio project referendum question will ask if voters approve "authorizing issuance of up to $6 million in bonds of the Town to fund the cost of the Town Radio Project".

About the Project

The proposed project is a significant municipal two-way radio communications system upgrade for the public safety, public service, and school departments in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. Currently, a variety of radio systems are used across both towns by Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Schools, Community Services, Recreation, Lifeguards, the Sanitary District, and Wastewater. The goal of a system upgrade is to streamline these separate systems into a cohesive network to improve interoperability and simplify long-term support.

To achieve this, the proposed project would update and consolidate our existing systems into a modern 800MHz trunked digital network. The updated infrastructure includes modernized central dispatch systems alongside the addition of two new communication towers at the Dunstan and North Scarborough Fire Stations, and the replacement of an existing tower at the Black Point Station. This will significantly improve radio coverage inside critical buildings and eliminate dead zones throughout the community. Additionally, over 500 new handheld and mobile radios will be deployed across multiple departments. These radios will replace obsolete equipment with hardware tailored strictly to each agency's operational needs.  

The total project cost is expected to be closer to $12.4 million ($9.2 million from Scarborough/$3.2 million from Old Orchard Beach, determined by a per capita assessment); the Town is requesting a Congressionally Directed Spending grant to meet the remaining need not covered locally.

Challenges with Current Radio System

The current system uses 1950s-era technology and many components are at end-of-life with nearly no availability for replacement parts. There are also significant gaps in coverage throughout town and in critical buildings like our schools. In some areas, there is coverage but employees face high noise interference (static) that make their use unreliable. All municipal departments and schools are on different radio systems, so there are frequency band mismatches that make them incompatible with each other for communication. The same is true for some communities that we provide mutual aid to for public safety services who are on upgraded systems. Police and Fire also experience limited availability on radio channels and are unable to expand to meet their needs with the current system.

Learn More & See the Frequently Asked Questions Explained

Our radio project page on the website is a comprehensive source for the background on how this project proposal came to be. New this week, the page also now includes a section with Frequently Asked Questions based on what we're hearing from community members. Be sure to visit the page to learn more and help inform your vote. See the Conversations with Councilors dates below for opportunities to have your questions answered in person.

State General Ballot

The State ballot includes candidates for U.S. Senator, Governor, Representative to Congress (District 1), State Senator (Districts 29 & 30), Representative to the Legislature (Districts 124, 125, & 126), Judge of Probate (Cumberland County), Sheriff (Cumberland County) and District Attorney (District 2). Determine your State Senate and House of Representatives Districts with this Scarborough street list and view sample ballots on our website.

A State Candidates Night for local legislative and district attorney candidates was jointly hosted by the Scarborough Democratic and Scarborough Republican Town Committees at Scarborough Town Hall on September 29. Watch the YouTube recording to learn more.

Additional Election Resource

The Press Herald has compiled a 2026 Maine voter guide that is free to access. Enter your street address or town to see every race on your ballot, compare candidates side by side, and make your choices before you vote. This resource is not affiliated with the Town of Scarborough.

You're ready to vote! If you're voting by absentee ballot, track the status of your ballot. Next up, encourage your friends and family to vote. Be sure to stay informed on election results—your voice matters.

For further information on absentee voting and voter registration, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office at 730-4020.

Ask Questions at Upcoming Conversations With Councilors Sessions

We're holding Conversations with the Councilors sessions at different meeting places through the month of October. This is not only an opportunity to share your thoughts on town and neighborhood issues for councilors to be aware of, but also a helpful way to get any election-related questions answered.

• Thursday, October 8: Blue Point School, 6:30pm

• Thursday, October 15: Pleasant Hill School, 6:30pm

• Monday, October 19: North Scarborough Fire Station, 6:30pm

• Saturday, October 24: Public Safety Building, 10:30am **Weekend morning session**

Note: All sessions are in-person only due to low virtual attendance in the past and the nature of the event format. We hope you'll join us for this series as we engage and listen to the voices across our community. Questions? Email the Town Council at towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org.