AUGUSTA — Even before the nominees for Maine governor are chosen, a forum is being scheduled by a children’s advocacy group.

The Maine Children’s Alliance has scheduled a gubernatorial candidate’s forum in Portland on June 17, more than a week after the June 8 primary.

Independents who have significant support will also be invited to participate in the one-hour forum, in which each candidate will convey his or her view on public policy that will best serve Maine children, youth and families.

Seven Republicans and four Democrats are seeking their parties’ nominations in the June 8 primaries. So far, three nonparty candidates have turned in petitions that could qualify them for the November ballot.