Carrie Jones

Mar 23, 2026

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by The Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund.

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SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Tomorrow, March 24, Southwest Harbor voters decide the fate of three articles that would commit the town to accepting funds as well as paying money to repair parts of the town’s shoreline that was devastated in January 2024 storms. The voters will also decide whether or not to fund the rebuild of its public works facility.

The three articles on the ballot are all yes or no questions.

If it passes, article 1, allows the town to apply for and receive state grants, federal grants, nonprofit revenues, and donations for the upcoming year.

Article 2 would commit the town to a 25% match ($618,000) to fix its public works garage, which is currently uninsurable. The facility currently holds the town’s buses as well as its public works equipment. The match is required so that the town can receive Congressionally Directed Spending funds of $2.45 million.

The third article focuses on shoreline repairs at Harbor Avenue, Shore Road, and the Manset Pier.

The town has already received FEMA/MEMA funds of over $260k for the projects. The remainder of the work, if the article is approved, would be taxpayer funded at $197k.

The special election begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Southwest Harbor voters can cast ballots at the Southwest Harbor Fire Station at 250 Main Street in Southwest Harbor.

Those registering to vote for the first time need a proof of ID, such as a driver’s license, state or student ID, passport, birth certificate; and proof of residency, such as mail showing a Southwest Harbor street address.

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LINKS TO LEARN MORE:

Preposed Bond Newsletter – (Town Grage & Shoreland)

Public Works Garage Project

Treasurer Statement

Special town meeting Warrant

2026 Special Municipal Election Absentee Ballot Application

​​Ongoing Absentee Ballot Status Application

Register to vote HERE online

Correction: This story was corrected on May 23 to indicate that polls close at 8 p.m.

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