As a caucus organizer, my biggest concern is that there is insufficient voter education on how to prepare for attending the causes. Too many people are confused on the basics – how delegates are chosen, what captains do, what regular caucus goers do, what they have to plan ahead for, etc.

Many don’t even realize that this is instead of a primary, and that they must attend to make their vote count. They aren’t sure where to go, when to go and what will happen when they get there. They worry that they will be subjected to harsh intimidation tactics. Many are hostile to the whole process and won’t attend. They fear a lack of fairness, which they have heard about from other state’s experiences.

The Democratic Party is not being sufficiently active in caucus preparation. Leaving people in the dark is a horrible thing to do to the electorate if we want simple, clear, one person, one ballot kinds of elections. The rules and procedures are appallingly confusing, and it appears they are meant to be that way. The Democrats are plotting a disastrous course by underplaying this presidential primary, regarding new voter turnout, as it sets up a defeat in the fall. Perhaps they are fielding for the Republicans? Either way it is a sinking strategy and is entirely failing in the field.

Educated voter turnout is the number one issue in this election, not electibility, as I previously assumed before I got involved in caucus organizing. Rachel Maddow is right to sound the alarm on this.

Please, if you value your ability to vote, attend the Maine caucuses. I won’t promise they will be fun, but it will give you a good feeling to know you are doing your duty as a citizen. Go to MaineDems.org for information on where to go and make sure to show up early as record turnouts are expected. Thank you.

Laurie Dobson
Kennebunkport