Maine could get its first casino after the costliest referendum campaign in state history. San Franciscans could mandate a “living wage” of $8.50 an hour for local workers. And the mellow of the world could take heart if Denver voters endorse a call for citywide stress reduction.

Across the country, state and local ballots on Nov. 4 will include an eclectic array of propositions — dealing with gay rights, mass transit and economic development, among other topics.

Bolinas, Calif. — population 1,200 — has perhaps the oddest item, sponsored by a woman known for wearing hats made from tree bark. Evoking blueberries, bears and skunks, Measure G asks that Bolinas declare itself a “nature-loving town.”

In terms of bitterness and spending (more than $6.8 million by the two sides), the Maine casino proposal had few competitors.

It envisions development of a $650 million gambling resort in economically struggling Sanford, in southern Maine about 90 miles north of Boston. It would be built by two Indian tribes and a Las Vegas casino developer, creating thousands of jobs at the resort and possibly thousands more elsewhere if projections of 6.6 million out-of-state visitors were to come true.

Some opponents, including Democratic Gov. John Baldacci, say the claims of economic gains are overstated. Others say the casino would aggravate social problems or tarnish Maine’s image as a mecca for outdoor recreation.

Colorado voters will decide whether to allow video lottery terminals at five racetracks and at casinos in three gambling towns. Voters in Iowa’s Linn County will be asked to authorize a riverboat casino in Cedar Rapids. And voters in Indiana’s Orange County will decide whether to allow a riverboat casino at French Lick. That’s the hometown of basketball great Larry Bird, an investor in one of five groups vying to operate the casino.

And in Colorado’s biggest city, the most eye-catching ballot item is called the “peace initiative” — it would require Denver officials to implement programs to reduce stress and promote peace.

The initiative’s guiding force is Jeff Peckman, a former meditation teacher who says group meditation “can generate a field of peacefulness and calm.”

City councilwoman Jeanne Faatz is among the skeptics; she doubts local criminals would partake in meditation. Said another council member, Charlie Brown: “I don’t think government should be insisting people should have a nice day if they don’t want to.”