Are you in the know?

To the editor,

A friend said he was all set to go to the caucus on March 8 to vote in the primaries.

“I hope you will go to the primary election before that on March 3,” I replied.

Such is the confusion regarding the first time that Maine is joining in on Super Tuesday, March 3. You can register to vote at your polling place on the day of any election, and you must register as a party member to vote in a primary. To change your party affiliation, you must do so three months in advance of primary day. Here’s the rundown.

In a recent referendum, Maine voters decided to vote for president by primary rather than caucus. However, we still must have a caucus to elect delegates who will vote at the party conventions. Thus the two dates: March 3, Super Tuesday primaries (and referendum on vaccinations), and March 8, Democratic caucuses. The dates for Republican caucuses vary.

And so who can vote? According to information from the state of Maine, you must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old by the general election Nov. 3. So, many 17-year-olds will be able to vote in the primaries.

You must have established residence in the town where you will vote. This applies to all citizens including students, homeless people, former felons, and current inmates who established residence in Maine before incarceration. Residence is defined in Maine election law as “that place where the person has established a fixed and principal home to which the person, whenever temporarily absent, intends to return.”

Out of state students may vote in Maine or vote absentee in their home state. Once registered, you do not have to show an ID to vote, but it’s a good idea to bring it.

If you have any questions about voting, call the state elections division in Augusta at 207-624-7650. Be sure to wear an I Voted sticker on Election Day to remind others of this essential, constitutional right.

Vicki Adams

Kennebunk