NORWAY – Local Democratic caucus conveners in western Maine are predicting a large turnout Feb. 8 when Maine Democrats gather to choose a candidate for president.
“There’s a huge amount of interest in the caucus this year, because (President George W.) Bush evokes a lot of strong emotions,” said Hillary Ware, Norway caucus convener.
Ware said she’s never been active in her party before, but that changed this year. “The entire party has been re-energized” by the challenge to find a candidate to defeat the Republican president, she said.
Ware said Maine people need to be reminded that unlike New Hampshire, Maine does not hold a presidential primary. Democratic caucuses this presidential year are being held Sunday, Feb. 8, in towns across Maine.
Times vary in different towns, but the caucuses must be held between 1 and 8 p.m. Norway’s caucus will be 1 to 4 p.m. in Norway Town Hall.
Ware is looking forward to it, “This way, it engages more people in the process.”
Those not able to attend their caucus can vote by absentee ballot. Caucus forms must be in by Feb. 4 to the state party office at P.O. Box 5258, Augusta, ME 04330.
At the caucus, Democrats will voice their choices and vote their preference by standing in a designated part of the room. If a person is unenrolled, they may register that day to vote in the caucus.
Norway will send 10 delegates to the Maine State Democratic Convention in Portland on May 21-23.
For more information, people can call Ware at 527-2319.
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