Area voters will have a chance to see, hear, and question six of the candidates for Maine governor at a forum May 12 at 2 p.m. at Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta.

Lincoln County Indivisible and Indivisible Boothbay, two nonpartisan volunteer organizations committed to advancing a progressive agenda, are the forum’s sponsors. Forum participants will include candidates Mark Eves, Betsy Sweet, Mark Dion, Adam Cote, Donna Dion and Diane Russell. Candidate Janet Mills, not able to attend due to responsibilities as Maine Attorney General, has been invited submit answers to several questions.

After researching the published positions of all the candidates running in the primary election, forum organizers determined that only those candidates listed above shared the values espoused by the two Indivisible groups. The forum will begin with questions regarding important issues facing Maine that have been developed by members of the two groups. Later, during the forum, members of the audience will be invited to pose additional questions.

There will also be a short presentation with information about the ranked choice voting system that will be used in Maine’s June 12 primary election. Maine is the first state in the country to employ ranked choice voting state-wide and will be seen as a test case for other states to follow. With multiple candidates running in the primary in each political party, the ability to rank their selections will give voters a more comprehensive voice in the outcome.

Following the formal portion of the forum, there will be an opportunity to meet and talk with progressive candidates running in local races.

Lincoln County Indivisible and Indivisible Boothbay were formed as an outgrowth of the Women’s March of Jan. 21, 2017. Each group meets on a regular basis, sends informative e-newsletters, and sponsors speakers and actions relating to progressive causes such as improving the health and wellbeing of all; upholding equality before the law and respect for all Americans; ensuring fair wages and the reduction of wealth inequality; protecting the environment; and supporting and improving public education. Both groups encourage active citizenship and engagement in the political process at the local, county, state, and national levels. Any interested members of the community are welcome to participate. For more information, visit the Indivisible Boothbay website at www.IndivisibleBoothbay.wordpress.com or email Lincoln County Indivisible at LCInewsletter@protonmail.com.