Planning on Voting for President in the Maine Caucuses Next Month? You NEED to Register!
Are you Ready for Hillary? Are you Feelin' the Bern? Want to see Trump in DC? Whoever you are supporting, make sure you know the rules so you can participate!
On presidential election years, Maine Republicans and Democrats hold caucuses (not primaries) to select candidates. What's the difference? In a primary election, you cast a secret ballot with your choice for candidates, just like voting in a general election. In a caucus, attendees assemble in a common area like a gym or ballroom, listen to speeches for each candidate, and then vote publicly together.
Here's what you need to know:
> Everyone who is 18, or will be 18 by election day, is eligible to participate in the Republican or Democratic Caucuses here in Maine.
Want to vote in the Democratic Caucus?
> If you want to vote for Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Caucus, you MUST be registered as a Democrat to do so. If you are currently registered as a Democrat, you're all set. Just remember to show up at your caucus location on March 5th!
>If you want to vote for Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Caucus, but you are currently registered as a Republican or Green Independent, you MUST register as a Democrat BEFORE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19.
>If you want to vote for Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Caucus, but you're not registered with any party (unregistered) or if you're an independent (unenrolled), you can register/re-register as a Democrat at your municipal caucus in the hour before the scheduled time of your caucus, or at your municipal clerk’s office any time before election day.
Want to vote in the Republican Caucus?
> If you want to vote for any of the Republican Candidates in the Republican Caucus, you MUST be registered as a Republican to do so. If you are currently registered as a Republican, you're all set. Just remember to show up at your caucus location on March 5th!
>If you want to vote for any of the Republican Candidates in the Republican Caucus, but you are currently registered as a Democrat or Green Independent, you MUST register as a Republican BEFORE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19.
>If you want to vote for any of the Republican Candidates in the Republican Caucus, but you're not registered with any party (unregistered) or if you're an independent (unenrolled), you can register/re-register as a Republican at your municipal caucus in the hour before the scheduled time of your caucus, or at your municipal clerk’s office any time before election day.