It appeared Monday evening a Gorham citizens referendum to overturn a Town Council decision to consolidate its emergency dispatching had failed because too few voters cast ballots.

The drive needed 2,245 ballots cast for a valid election but likely will fall well short. With approximately an hour before polls closed Monday evening, approximately 1,600 votes had been cast, according to unofficial tallies taken from ballot machines.

The Gorham Town Council voted in August to consolidate its dispatching with that of Cumberland County at the bunker in Windham. However, a citizens’ petition forced a referendum vote.

Steve Morin, who helped spearhead the drive to overturn the council’s action, was still hopeful with 90 minutes left before the polls closed. “This process has got the town talking,” Morin said as he held a sign at the intersection of South Street and Weeks Road.

The state has mandated that the number of emergency call centers statewide be reduced. Morin said the town shouldn’t be forced into consolidation by the state.

Steve Morin