Maine Caucus Results: Bernie Sanders Wins in Landslide

By Alison Bauter (Patch Staff)

AUGUSTA, ME — As Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton take the stage in Flint, Mich., for Sunday night's Democratic debate, Maine polls closed on a high turnout caucus that delivered an early, resounding victory for Sanders.

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Moments after polls closed, early numbers put the self-identified democratic socialist at 63 percent to the former secretary of state and New York senator's 36 percent support, and the Associated Press called the race in his favor. Seventy-three percent of precincts have reported so far.

On the Republican side, Ted Cruz won Maine in Saturday's caucus.

Particularly after high-turnout votes boosted him to victory in Nebraska and Kansas Saturday, it was little surprise that Maine's nomination contest favored Sanders. The independent senator from Vermont has fared well in the northeast, and generally plays well in states like Maine, where white voters are the dominant demographic.

• Check back with Patch for continued live Maine Democratic caucus results.

Turnout

Due to what the Maine Democratic Party is calling "extraordinary turnout," voters lining up to caucus in Portland will vote by paper ballot, rather than by caucus, to avoid overcrowding. It's not the only crowded site, according to social media posts. The party is urging that anyone in line wait it out, to ensure their voice is heard.

Delegates

The state has 25 Democratic delegates at stake in the caucuses. It additionally has five super delegates. Three of the supers have already said they will support Clinton, one has broken for Sanders and the fifth super delegate, Maine Democratic Party Chairman Phil Bartlett, has said he will not publicly support a candidate before the caucuses.

Delegates are awarded proportionally in Maine, rather than winner-take-all. More than 500 municipal caucuses are meeting around the state Sunday. Maine Republicans caucused Saturday.