Eight years ago, after a poorly organized Democratic caucus in which many voters were subjected to extremely long lines, I wrote a letter to the editor advocating that Portland utilize multiple sites for its caucus, or better yet, that Maine adopt a primary system.

After this year’s foreseeable disaster in Portland, let me restate it: The burden imposed on Portland Democrats to cast a vote this year was unforgivably high. Caucuses in general disadvantage voters who work, are disabled or are otherwise unable to devote those specific hours to voting. The availability of absentee ballots that were due days before the primary was obviously not a sufficient remedy.

Even with mild weather, many voters gave up or were dissuaded from voting by this ridiculous situation. It is time to make a change.

Mark Shaughnessy

Portland


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