Here’s what’s on the ballot in Bath

Bath, Maine, Heads to November Ballot with Uncontested City Council Races and Key State‑Level Showdowns

In the town of Bath, the November 2026 election will feature four City Council contests that are effectively decided before the first poll opens. Residents will also vote on statewide offices, including the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, as well as a U.S. House seat. Election day voting will take place at Bath Middle School, with absentee ballots already on the line and voters able to request a ballot by phone, mail, online, or in person at the city clerk’s office.

City Council: No Opposition in Three Wards

All six City Council seats will be filled in November, but only one at‑large seat is contested. In Wards 1, 3 and 6 each incumbent is running unopposed.

• Ward 1 – Chris Marks
  The current councilor seeks a fourth term after six years on the board. In a statement to the press, Marks said his main goals are expanding housing options and improving public transportation, while easing the property‑tax burden on residents. He added that Bath’s biggest challenge is “increasing the tax base without fundamentally changing the things that make Bath special.”

• Ward 3 – Miles Burleson‑Lesser
  Burleson‑Lesser, a newcomer to the council, is also unopposed. He emphasized the need for affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods, noting that he has seen classmates leave town to start families and neighbors struggle despite hard work. “I want Bath to again be a city where generations of families can not only survive but thrive,” he said.

• Ward 6 – Caitlin McCorkle
  Vice‑chairperson McCorkle, seeking reelection, highlighted fiscal prudence in a statement that described her aim as “being thoughtful about how we spend while finding more ways to fund city needs without relying so heavily on residential property taxes and without postponing necessary investments.” She also underscored the importance of better communication between city government and its citizens and of supporting economic development.

• At‑large – Stefanie Veneziano
  The only contested seat on the council is the at‑large seat, filled by newcomer Stefanie Veneziano. She framed her campaign as a vision to “steer our city toward future success, where young people can build their careers, families can build their lives, and Bath can build a reputation as one of the most thriving communities in Maine.” Her key priorities include affordable housing, support for local businesses and organizations, and safeguarding the town’s character.

School Board

The Regional School Unit 1 board will also see one vacancy. Melissa Martin is the sole candidate for the Bath‑resident seat. In Woolwich, the Woolwich‑resident seat will be contested between incumbent Jennifer Ritch‑Smith, who is seeking reelection, and challenger Jamie Dorr.

State and National Races

While local races dominate the town’s ballot, Bath voters will also decide on several state and federal contests.

• State Senate – District 24 is held by Democrat State Senator Denise Tepler, who is running unopposed for a second term.
• U.S. House – House District 50 will see a contest between incumbent Democrat David Sinclair and Republican challenger Jedediah Rice.

The mayoral position is not up for election this year; instead, voters will choose a new governor for the state and decide on Senate representation at the national level.

How to Vote

Bath Middle School will serve as the polling location on election day. Absentee voting has already begun, and residents can request ballots in several ways:

• Phone – Call the city clerk’s office.
• Mail – Request a paper ballot by postal mail.
• Online – Complete the request through the city’s official website.
• In‑person – Drop a request at the city clerk’s office.

Voters who wish to cast their ballot early or by mail have several weeks to do so, giving them ample time to consider all the races on the ballot.

Why It Matters

Although the City Council races are uncontested, the outcomes will shape Bath’s future. Council members will work on issues ranging from housing affordability and transportation to fiscal policy and economic development. At the same time, residents will cast votes that will impact statewide and national policy through the governor, Senate, and House elections.

For Bath citizens, the November ballot is an opportunity to affirm their support for their current local leaders while also participating in the broader political process that governs Maine and the United States. With a straightforward process for absentee and early voting, the town has made it clear that participation is both encouraged and accessible.