Voting has begun in Maine, and in Brunswick, residents will be filling four Town Council seats and three school board seats, in addition to chiming in on Maine House races and high-profile elections for governor and U.S. Senate.

In-person voting will take place at the Brunswick Recreation Center on Election Day. Before that, voters can vote early, pick up a ballot and register to vote at Town Hall through Oct. 29.

The Curtis Memorial Library will host a “meet the candidates” night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16.

Here’s what’s on the local ballot in Brunswick.

District 5: Jennifer Hicks

Sitting Town Councilor Jennifer Hicks is running unopposed for a second term. Hicks is a 10-year Brunswick resident and directs outreach and communication for Maine Woodland Owners.

In her responses to the Press Herald Voter Guide, Hicks said that her priorities include being responsive to residents and “countering the impacts of misguided and harmful federal actions.” She also highlighted affordability as a challenge and said deciding on the next town manager will be an opportunity for the council, once manager Julia Henze retires next year.

District 7: Steven Weems

Councilor Steven Weems is also running unopposed for reelection to his District 7 seat. Weems won council elections in 1990, 1992 and 2023. He describes himself as a semi-retired businessman and nonprofit executive and has lived in Brunswick for about 40 years.

Weems also highlighted the search for the next town manager. His top three priorities were managing growth, putting restraints on property taxes and upgrading the town’s recycling and solid waste strategy. He also said housing affordability, particularly for seniors and low-income residents, is a significant challenge in Brunswick.

At-large seat (one-year term): Jennifer Navarro, Nathaniel Shed, Paul Whitcomb

Nathaniel Shed, candidate for Brunswick Town Council. (Courtesy of Nathaniel Shed)

Three candidates are vying to serve the remainder of the term for the seat currently held by Katherine Wilson, who is stepping down.

They include former councilor Nathaniel Shed, who served District 6 from 2023-2025. Shed said his priorities include supporting affordable housing options, implementing Brunswick’s climate goals and supporting a vibrant downtown by adding parking. He also said building a new, environmentally sound public works facility is a priority.

Also vying for the special election seat is newcomer Jennifer Navarro. Navarro said she plans on focusing on town fiscal responsibility that protects taxpayers, responsible growth and transparency in government. She said growth and spending are “moving faster than infrastructure, process, and public trust can support” and that Brunswick should grow where it has the capacity to.

Jennifer Navarro, candidate for Brunswick Town Council. (Courtesy of Jennifer Navarro)

Paul Whitcomb, candidate for Brunswick Town Council. (Courtesy of Paul Whitcomb)

Paul Whitcomb, who has spoken in council meetings recently to oppose the Brunswick Public Works fuel station project, is the third candidate for the seat. Whitcomb, also a newcomer to local office, said he wants to pause all development in town and focus on meeting the goals of Brunswick’s Climate Action Plan. He said he intends to be a “strong voice for the environment” against “developers and contractors who skirt environmental laws.”

Sarah Brayman, candidate for Brunswick Town Council (Courtesy of Sarah Brayman)

Robert Moulton, candidate for Brunswick Town Council. (Courtesy of Robert Moulton)

At-large seat (full term): Sarah Brayman, Robert Moulton

Sarah Brayman, a former council chair, and Robert Moulton, a one-time council candidate, are running for a full-term at-large seat on the council.

Brayman served two terms on the council from 2012-2017 and has served on the boards of Brunswick Public Art and the Curtis Memorial Library. She’s also been the chairperson and vice chairperson of the council. In her Voter Guide survey, she said she wants to focus on affordability, good governance, transparency and a strong environment. Brayman said she’ll listen carefully on council and “carefully consider competing perspectives.”

Moulton, who ran unsuccessfully in 2022, said Brunswick must “(restore) trust in how major decisions are made” by providing balanced information and accepting public input. His priorities include ensuring fairness in property taxes and supporting business and housing growth that aligns with Brunswick’s character.

Three candidates are running unopposed for Brunswick School Board seats. They are W. Benjamin Walsh in District 5, Sarah Singer in District 7 and William Thompson, who is running for an at-large seat. All three are seeking reelection to their current seats.

The candidates did not respond to the Voter Guide survey.

Voters in House District 99 will decide between incumbent Rep. Cheryl Golek, a Democrat, and challenger Republican Braeden Webber.

District 100’s legislative candidates are Democratic Rep. Daniel Ankeles, also seeking reelection, and Republican Brett Barrett.

Democratic Rep. Poppy Arford is up for reelection in District 101, and will face Republican Ravi Jackson.

State Senate President Mattie Daughtry, owner of Moderation Brewing in Brunswick, will also seek reelection to her seat, against Republican Bernard Porter.

Read more about Brunswick candidates’ campaign goals on the Press Herald Voter Guide.