Thousands of Democrats attended caucuses, representing highest turnout for a non-presidential year ever recorded by the party:

Westbrook, MAINE – From Kittery to Madawaska and Fryeburg to Eastport, Democrats across the state turned out in record numbers yesterday to officially kick-off the 2018 campaign season during the Maine Democratic Party Caucuses. 

Uniting under the banner “Victory Starts Here”, Maine Democrats joined together in their towns and cities for their local caucuses to organize in support of Democratic principles and candidates. As of this morning, local caucuses have reported a total turnout of more than 3,000 Democrats, representing the highest turnout for a non-presidential year ever recorded by the party – and that number is expected to only grow as more towns continue to report their attendance. 

“Democrats across the state turned out in record numbers to stand up and demand change – to say there is a better way,” said Phil Bartlett, Chairman of the Maine Democratic Party. “We came together at the grassroots level to show that we are organized and that we are determined to elect Democrats at every level of government who will fight for economic opportunity, affordable health care, and stronger schools. Together we will build a thriving, forward-looking economy in Maine that will support and empower our hardworking families. I am proud of the work we accomplished yesterday and look forward to continuing to build on this momentum all the way to victory in November.”

The caucuses are the organizational foundation of the party. Attendees yesterday elected delegates to the upcoming Democratic State Convention, elected Municipal Officers and County Committee members, heard from Democratic candidates for office and elected officials, and discussed local, state, and national policy issues affecting Maine people. 

This year, the caucuses also functioned as a statewide virtual rally, in which caucus attendees described what Democratic victory means to them and shared their message on social media through #VictoryStartsHere.

To access downloadable pictures of various caucuses, visit the Maine Democratic Party Facebook page HERE.

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