Lewiston immigrant organizers celebrate election participation after tense campaign

Immigrant community organizers in Lewiston, Maine, celebrated participation in Tuesday's election after tensions surrounding early voting and polling places. Safiya Khalid described a grassroots, door-to-door effort aimed at electing candidates welcoming to immigrants.

Khalid said about 30 volunteers helped with canvassing, rides and voter outreach. Fellow organizer Ifraax Saciid-Ciise Lugoole said volunteers trained interpreters and helped voters overcome transport and other barriers.

Lugoole and Khalid said their communities remained determined to vote despite harassment and political attacks. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who visited Lewiston polling places, said voting in the city and statewide went smoothly.

Lewiston's unofficial city results recorded turnout of about 60% of 24,455 registered voters. Khalid said most local candidates the organizers supported had won and described the community as overjoyed.

Sources: Joe Charpentier, Sun Journal, November 6, 2026; Lewiston City Clerk's unofficial November 3, 2026 election results. Sun Journal · Lewiston unofficial results