Democrats in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Southport will assemble for the biennial Democratic caucus on Sunday, Feb. 4 to begin organizing for the 2024 elections. The Maine Democratic Party (MDP) Caucuses are public meetings of Democratic friends and neighbors from every town across Maine. On the Boothbay peninsula, voters from the four towns will gather from 2 to 4 p.m. at Boothbay Region High School, 236 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor.

Political parties in Maine are required by state law to hold municipal caucuses every two years. Caucuses serve many purposes, including selecting delegates to the MDP State Convention, electing local committee leaders, hearing from local legislators and candidates, nominating election clerks, and discussing local issues. The Boothbay region caucus is open to all registered Democrats who reside in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb or Southport. Part of the caucus includes splitting into separate groups from the four individual towns to elect officers and Convention delegates for the Maine Democratic State Convention (held in Bangor May 31 to June 1).

The caucus is an opportunity to enjoy engaging conversation, refreshments, and fun with fellow Democrats or unenrolled residents who are interested in Democratic values. Voter registration will be available at the event for U.S. citizens who will be 18 years old by the 2024 national election.

Special guests State Senator Cameron Reny (District 13) and State Representative Holly Stover (District 48) will address the gathering. Caucus attendees will have the opportunity to sign forms to help Senator Reny and Representative Stover qualify for the 2024 ballot, and to make $5 qualifying contributions for Maine Clean Elections funding.

In addition, donations are requested for the Food Pantry Project, which has collected thousands of pounds of food and household items for food pantries around Lincoln County. Items needed include paper towels, toilet paper, coffee and tea, hot/cold cereal and canned soups. 

Advance registration for the caucus is not required; however, it’s appreciated to help us with planning the event. Please be sure to arrive on time to check in and find a seat to hear the candidates speak. You may register at https://www.mobilize.us/mainedems/event/597937/ (Snow date: Feb. 11)

“Our Democratic caucuses are grassroots organizing at its best, with neighbors and fellow Democrats in towns across the state coming together to hear from candidates, organize for this very important election year, and conduct important town committee business,” said Kelli Whitlock Burton, chair of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC). “With democracy on the ballot in November, these caucuses have never been more important than they are this year.”

For more information about the Boothbay Region caucus, contact dem.chair.23@gmail.com Complete information about Maine caucuses, LCDC, its meetings, and other activities can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com. Questions can be emailed to info@lincolncountydemocrats.com. 

(Disclaimer: This event is not sponsored by the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District, nor does it necessarily represent the values and opinions of the Board of Trustees, the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor School Committee, or the school community at large.)