Residents in the small town of Unity, Maine, are finding unity in their community despite the current divisiveness in national politics. With a population of just under 2,300, Unity residents admit to avoiding political discussions with their neighbors to maintain peace. Although the town reflects the national trend of increasing polarization between political parties, residents choose to focus on their local connections and shared experiences.
The outcome of the 2020 election in Unity, where Donald Trump narrowly defeated Joe Biden by 2%, highlights the town’s political diversity. While local issues such as housing asylum seekers and celebrating Pride month have generated controversy, Unity is also known for hosting the Common Ground Country Fair, a unifying tradition that celebrates local food and farming.
Residents in Unity prioritize getting along despite political differences, emphasizing the importance of civility and community building. The closure of Unity College has impacted the town economically and culturally, leading to efforts to build community through initiatives like the Unity Public Library. While national politics remain divisive, Unity residents prefer to focus on their local connections and shared values.
As the upcoming election approaches, many in Unity express concerns about the cost of living and daily struggles, emphasizing that their day-to-day lives may not be significantly impacted by the election outcome. Despite the political climate, residents like Ashli Pelletier choose to focus on building themselves up through education and work, finding solace in the peaceful environment of their small town. In the face of national division, Unity residents continue to prioritize unity and community building in their close-knit town.
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Photo credit www.centralmaine.com