Opinion: Statewide elections start now
State elections start in March, not November
The article, “Statewide candidate connections absent early in election year” (Feb. 4), summarizes a poll in which half of those surveyed had never heard of the candidates for governor. It goes on to state “… there are months for candidates and voters to get to know each other before the September primaries.” For the governor’s race, that time may be weeks, not months!
The Massachusetts Democratic Party caucus window opened Feb. 4th and closes March 12th. This is the period when town Democratic committees elect delegates to the June Nominating Convention. Candidates awarded a minimum of 15% of delegates will appear on the primary ballot. Candidates that don’t reach 15% won’t appear on the ballot — so unless there’s a shift, it’s over for some in March!
The caucuses are open meetings, any registered Democratic can vote at their ward’s caucus. It seems early to be thinking about a November election, but if you care about a candidate or the democratic process, now is when you need to participate. Each Democratic candidate for governor (Danielle Allen, Sonia Chang-Diaz, or Maura Healey), would make history. I encourage you to search online, learn about them, find your local caucus, and participate!
Ed Klein, East Dennis
