Clinton, Sanders campaigns to square off at Lincoln County caucuses

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 10:00am

Lincoln County Democratic chair Jim Torbert of Whitefield announced that most Lincoln County Democrats will caucus March 6 in Damariscotta, Wiscasset and Waldoboro.

“Towns will caucus separately but have been grouped,” said Torbert, “to facilitate the process and ensure uniform rules and procedures for what we expect will be a large turnout with the result anyone’s guess at this point.”

Caucus participants will choose among slates of delegates for Sanders and for Clinton and those who are uncommitted. The towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle, Bremen, Bristol, South Bristol, Nobleboro, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport will caucus at Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta at 2:30 p.m. Democrats from Wiscasset, Alna, Whitefield, Edgecomb, Somerville and Westport will meet at Wiscasset Elementary School at 1 p.m. Miller School in Waldoboro will host caucuses for Waldoboro and Jefferson residents at 4 p.m. Dresden Democrats will caucus at Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden at 2:30 p.m. and Monhegan residents will meet at L. Brackett & Son at 4 p.m.

For Democrats who wish to cast their vote but who cannot attend on March 6, absentee ballots are available.

“We really want to make it easy for people to participate,” explained Torbert. “All you have to do is go to www.mainedems.org and request an absentee ballot online.” Absentee ballots can be returned by mail or in person to Maine Democratic Party Headquarters in Augusta but must be received by March 2.

“Of course, only registered Democrats can participate in the process,” said Torbert, “but it is easy to register.” If you are currently not registered or are registered as unenrolled, you can register as a Democrat at the caucus itself during the one hour before the caucuses begin, or beforehand in the town office. If you are currently registered as a member of the Republican or Green Independent parties and wish to change to Democrat in order to participate in the caucus, you must do so at your town office before February 20. As for registration in Maine at any time, proof of residence and a picture ID are always required.

“We especially welcome first time voters,” said Torbert. “The experience of voting in a town caucus with your friends and neighbors is pure democracy at work.” Any citizen in Maine who will turn 18 on or before Election Day, November 8, is eligible to register and participate in the caucuses.

In addition to expressing a Presidential preference, the caucuses will also select delegates to the state Democratic convention in Portland May 6-7, elect new town committees and chairs, and designate members of the county committee. Candidates for the state legislature will also be present to collect nominating petition signatures.

A list of individual town caucus conveners with telephone numbers will soon be published.

For more information on how the caucus process works, please visit www.mainedems.org or www.lincolncountydemocrats.com or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/lincolncountydems