The importance of the 2016 presidential caucus

To the Editor;

In this year of a presidential election, it is good to remind ourselves that our democratic political system is not just about big name players, but also about individual citizens who take time from their busy lives to make their voices heard. This year, Maine voters have a say in the choice of nominees for the presidency of the United States, so it is a good time to review the key features of the presidential nomination process.

Maine holds caucuses, rather than primaries, to determine the people’s support for potential presidential nominees. This is your chance to vote for the candidate you want to be your party’s nominee. At a local municipal caucus, registered voters meet in person to debate the merits of candidates and vote for the nominee of their choice. Candidates win support based on the percentage of votes they garner from those attending the caucus or from absentee ballots filed with state party organizations. The percentage of votes for a particular candidate at the municipal caucuses determines that candidate’s representation by delegates at state party conventions. Using party rules, state party conventions then determine a candidate’s support by delegates to the national party conventions, where the formal nomination of a presidential candidate occurs. Your vote at a local caucus is directly linked to the nominating process at the national level.

You must be registered with your political party in order to vote in caucuses. You may register and vote in a caucus if you will have turned 18 by the Nov. 8, 2016 presidential election. If you are an unenrolled (independent) voter, you may enroll in a party to vote in their caucuses any time up to the very day of the caucus. Town clerks will be available at the start of the caucuses to register voters. If you want to switch party affiliation in order to vote in one of the party caucuses, you must do so at your town office at least 15 days before the caucus date.

The municipal caucuses for the Maine Democratic Party are scheduled for Sunday, March 6. If you want to vote for a candidate, but are unable to attend, you can request an absentee ballot at mainedems.org 2016 Caucus and Convention. The completed absentee ballot must be received by the Maine Democratic Party by March 2.

The municipal caucuses for the Maine Republican Party are scheduled for Saturday, March 5. For information about GOP absentee voting, go to mainegop.com 2016 Presidential Caucus. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Maine Republican Party no later than 5 p.m. on March 5.

The municipal caucuses for the Green Independent Party are still being scheduled. Check their website at mainegreens.org for updates.

Carole Boothroyd
Dover-Foxcroft