The issue of gun sales transactions in Maine will be among the questions voters will be asked to address on this year’s November ballot, and the issue was the subject of the monthly meeting of the Lincoln County Democrats July 18 at their campaign office in Damariscotta.

The objective of the ballot initiative is to close in Maine the so-called “gun show loophole” in federal law on gun sales transactions. The loophole allows persons who are not licensed gun dealers to sell guns without background checks on purchasers. Under the proposed measure a private seller in Maine would have to arrange for a licensed dealer to run a background check on the gun purchaser before the transaction could be legally completed.

The initiative on the November ballot will read: “Do you want to require background checks prior to the sale or transfer of firearms between individuals not licensed as firearms dealers, with failure to do so punishable by law, and with some exceptions for family members, hunting, self-defense, lawful competitions, and shooting range activity?”

Dan Lord, a regional organizer and spokesman for the group Mainers for Responsible Gun Ownership, said over 85,000 signatures were gathered to put the initiative — Question No. 3 — onto the ballot. He noted that 18 states already have acted to expand background check requirements within their borders. Maine will be joined by Nevada this November in holding a referendum on the question.

Lord said polling on the issue shows that 81 percent of voters support extending background check requirements, and 68 percent “strongly” support doing so. “We’re not just looking to win in November, we’re looking to win with significant margins, to send a message to the rest of the country,” he said. “This referendum campaign can be symbolic on the national level. If we can win in a rural state with a strong hunting and gun tradition, and win with significant margins, it will show that people have moved on this issue. People feel there needs to be some sort of sensible action to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.”

Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett, a supporter of the referendum measure, also spoke at the Damariscotta event. “I have pledged my full support to this campaign,” he said. “I have concerns from a law enforcement perspective that it’s just too easy for folks to obtain guns. I realize there has to be a balance. I understand that. This is a reasonable initiative. I think that’s why it has garnered as much support as it has.” Brackett added that the proposed measure would be “in no way an infringement on Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.”

The Lincoln County Democrats campaign office is located at 281 Main Street Damariscotta, next to the First Federal Savings Bank and close to the Rising Tide Community Market. The next major county Democrats event will be the annual lobster bake, Saturday August 13 starting at noon, at 331 Clark’s Cove Road in Walpole. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and State Attorney General Janet Mills will be featured speakers. For more information call 882-7060.