New for 2026: Expanding the Conversation
Meet the Candidates is growing this year to create more opportunities for Ellsworth residents to connect with the people seeking local office.
Meet the Candidates for Ellsworth City Council
Meet the Candidates is an annual, nonpartisan event that provides an educational platform for the voting residents of Ellsworth. All candidates running for a seat on the Ellsworth City Council are encouraged to participate. Events like this raise awareness of local issues and connect community members to participate in our local democracy.
We’ll meet you and Ellsworth’s city council candidates at The Grand Theater on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 at 6:30 PM ET!
Watch the live stream or recording
You can watch Meet the Candidates live or on your way to the polls! Head to the City of Ellsworth’s YouTube channel to watch the forum live or later.
Submit a question!
We encourage Ellsworth residents and community members to submit questions ahead of the event for possible inclusion in the forum. Submit your questions online (news@ellsworthamerican.com) or on an index card at the event.
“Thank you for sponsoring this. It helped me (and others) reach an informed decision!”
Meet the Candidates poster, designed by Rachel Yves, featuring “The Singing Flag” painting by Joy Halstead, part of the City of Ellsworth's permanent art collection.
Ellsworth City Council Chambers: Mural by artist Philip Frey, Photo by Nate Burckhard
The 2026 Ellsworth City Council Candidates
The October 13, 2026 conversation will include candidates running for two Ellsworth City Council seats set to expire in November 2029. The public forum will be moderated by Cyndi Wood, Managing Editor of The Ellsworth American. The candidates are:
Robert Grant, Sr
Casey Hanson
Tiffany Gaspar
Nancy Smith
Meet the Candidates for School board & Library trustees
New this year!
Connect with candidates for the Ellsworth School Board and Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees in an informal, conversational setting. Bring your questions, introduce yourself, and learn more about the people interested in serving our schools and library.
We’ll meet you and Ellsworth School Board and Library Board of Trustees candidates at Ellsworth Public Library on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 at 5: PM!
Our schools and library play important roles in everyday life in Ellsworth, and voters deserve opportunities to learn about the candidates helping shape their futures. By including School Board and Library Board of Trustees candidates, we’re building on the event’s commitment to nonpartisan voter education, with a welcoming space to ask questions, share priorities, and make informed decisions.
