Dear Editor:

This past week, the Secretary of State announced that the Clean Elections Initiative qualified for inclusion on the November 2015 ballot with over 18,000 signatures to spare. But for those of us who would like to see the end of dark money in our political process, our work is only half done. This second phase involves educating our fellow citizens regarding the reasons for and the importance of this important addition to strengthen our clean election law.

To that end, Maine Citizens for Clean Elections is hosting a free volunteer summit conference at Thomas College in Waterville on Saturday, March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The keynote speaker will be David Donnelly, a key member of the first Clean Elections campaign back in 1996. Lunch and snacks are included.

You will learn how to convince voters to pass the initiative into our existing, clean election law. You will be taught valuable communicating, messaging and organizing skills that will prove valuable to you in other areas.

Come and join other like-minded people from around the state for a day of learning and connecting.

Feb. 27 is the final deadline to reserve your lunch. If you are able to attend, please sign up on the MCCE website at www.mainecleanelections.org.

Susan van Alsenoy

Wiscasset