February 2, 2010 - Attend your precinct caucus

Precinct caucuses are the beginning of the process that Minnesota's major political parties use for choosing the candidates and the issues they will support in elections. Their choices are especially important because the future of our state will be affected by the candidates we elect.

Currently, Minnesota has three major political parties: Democratic-Farmer-Labor, Independence, and Republican. By law, the precinct caucuses are scheduled to be held on the first Tuesday in February. They are open to the public.

This process is about grassroots participation. This is YOUR opportunity to bring forth the issues YOU care about. Your input is valuable to your party!

How do I find my precinct?

Call your party
Go to the Secretary of State's website: sos.state.mn.us
Or call the Secretary of State's office: 651-215-1440

Here is a resolution you may want to present if you go

• Resolutions are position statements that can be adopted at the precinct level and advanced to become party positions
• Resolutions need to be presented in writing
• There is time for resolutions on the agenda
• Present your proposal and the reasons for it. Be persuasive! (It helps to lobby early and have copies).
• If there is disagreement, the caucus chair will facilitate debate (often 3 statements for and 3 against).
• Vote!

Have fun!
And be proud that you have been part of the initial steps of a process that is essential to shaping the future of your community and the state of Minnesota.

Thanks to Ready4K for much of this information about the caucus process.