In light of the threats posed to the public by the coronavirus, the Maine Democratic Party announced today that the 2020 State Convention has been canceled.

The convention, which was to be held May 29-30 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, will be replaced by remote voting for delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Decisions regarding other convention activities will be determined at a later date.

“Our top priority has always been to ensure the health and safety of our convention attendees. While we’re disappointed this public health crisis doesn’t allow for an in-person gathering of Maine Democrats, our duty to protect one another outweighs any other considerations,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “We can’t say enough about all the hard work so many put into making what was shaping up to be an exciting state convention a reality. This isn’t the outcome we hoped for or expected, but we want to thank all those involved for putting the health and safety of convention attendees first.”

In addition to the city of Bangor, who welcomed the Maine Democratic Party (MDP) when convention planning first started, the Cross Insurance Center, where the MDP State Convention was set to take place May 29-30, was extraordinarily accommodating in light of guidance from State and local officials, understanding that public health and the safety of convention attendees is paramount. The Penobscot County Democrats also put in an enormous amount of planning and preparation for the convention.

While the MDP will not be holding an in-person convention, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has approved an updated Delegate Selection Plan to allow remote elections for Maine’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention, presidential electors, and DNC representatives. The MDP will also be holding remote elections for seats on the Democratic State Committee.

Maine Democratic Party officials are making accommodations for State Delegates to vote remotely online and by phone to ensure accessibility regardless of broadband internet access.

As plans for remote voting are further finalized, more details will be made publicly available. The process for ratifying the MDP Charter and Platform will be determined at a later date.

The Maine Democratic Party is also working on a plan to rally Democrats across the state together in new and creative ways and generate the momentum needed to win this November.

“This unexpected, turbulent time is a stark reminder of why we need steady leaders who will listen to experts, follow science, and always prioritize protecting our families above all else,” Marra added. “That reminder has only steeled our resolve to elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November.”

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