Although Maine will hold primary elections in June for other offices, we will not be voting for presidential preference then. Maine citizens will get their chance to help choose candidates for the highest office in the land only by participating in municipal caucuses. For Maine people to participate fully in the presidential campaigns that are riveting the rest of the nation, they need to find their municipal caucus, go, and stand for the candidate of their choice.

The Maine Republican Party will hold caucuses Feb. 1-3. The Maine Democratic Party will hold caucuses on Feb. 10. The Maine Green Independent Party will also hold caucuses on Feb. 10. The time and place of caucus vary from town to town and will be announced publicly. See the party Web sites at mainegop.com, mainedems.org and mainegreens.org or check with your county committee or town office to find the time and place.

In order to get the best candidates, representing the views of most of the people, it’s important for everyone who can to participate as fully as possible in the process. When we defer the selection of presidential candidates to those with the most partisan views, we contribute to a further polarization of the dialog on very important issues.

Here are just a few of the important questions that voters might consider in deciding who should get their support:

. What should be done, if anything, at the federal level to reduce our use of and dependence on fossil fuels?

. What should be our short-term and long-term goals in Iraq and the Middle East?

. What should the federal government do, if anything, to ensure that every American has health coverage?

. Should there be spending limits for political campaigns and a set amount of public funding for all candidates who agree to take no private contributions?

. What should the federal government do about immigration?

Taking part in a caucus isn’t just for party regulars. This is a time that your voice and be heard. Caucuses and primaries are only open to enrolled voters. You must enroll in a party to participate in that party’s caucus. If you are already a registered voter and enrolled in a party, you just have to show up at the caucus on time.

In Maine the largest block of registered voters are people who are unenrolled or “Independents.” They outnumbered Republicans, Democrats and Greens. Many Independents prefer to remain unenrolled in a political party. If you are one of those, we’ll see you at the polls in November.

However, you don’t have to become a party regular in order to participate in the caucuses. If you are unregistered or unenrolled, you still have the right to participate, but you need to show up a little early in order to register or enroll in the party in whose caucus you wish to participate. The town clerk, or registrar of voters, will be present for a half-hour before the scheduled caucus. You can also enroll and register at the town office some time before the day of the caucus. If you are not registered to vote, you will need to bring identification and proof of residence with you when registering (driver’s license, utility bill or government document.)

If you are registered and enrolled in a different party, you can change your designated affiliation on the voter list, but it’s a little more complicated. And, it’s too late for this year. You must request the change at your town office more than 15 days before the primary or caucus.

If you do enroll or change your designation, you cannot change it again for at least three months. That’s to prevent people from trying to vote in more than one party, in the same election. But if you don’t really want to be associated with a political party and receive its mailings, you can enroll temporarily and unenroll as a member at the end of three months.

If you are interested in playing a more active role in party politics or if you want a voice in selecting a party’s presidential candidate, I urge you to attend and participate in the municipal caucus for the party of your choice. This is your chance to have your voice heard.

Barbara McDade is a resident of Bangor and co-president of League of Women Voters of Maine.