In a matter of days, you will have a wonderful opportunity to participate in government right from your own neighborhood. The precinct caucus allows you to choose who will represent you at your party’s convention, and gives you the chance to help determine your party’s platform. Many residents have asked me to explain the particulars of a precinct caucus, so I thought I would use this column to answer some frequently asked questions. I strongly encourage you to attend and share your opinions. – What is a precinct caucus? It is a meeting of neighbors who share a common concern for the operation and policies of local, state and national government. State law requires each major political party to hold a caucus in every election precinct each state general election year (even-numbered years). The purpose of the precinct caucuses is to elect delegates, party officers and conduct party business. – What is a precinct? A precinct is an election district with a polling place. In a city, a precinct may include several blocks; in a rural area, a precinct may be as large as a township. There are more than 4,100 precincts in Minnesota. – When and where are caucuses held? All precinct caucuses will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, throughout Minnesota. Notices concerning the location of the precinct caucuses are available at your county auditor or city elections office and will be published the week before caucuses in your local newspaper. – What happens at a precinct caucus? Neighbors attending caucuses will participate in the election of caucus and precinct officers, delegate selection for county or legislative district conventions, recruiting of election judges, and discussion of issues that may be included in the party platform. Nominations for precinct officers must remain open for at least the first 15 minutes of a caucus. All elections during the caucus are by secret ballot. Caucuses must last at least one hour. – Who may participate? Anyone who is now an eligible voter or will be eligible to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 2, who is a resident of the precinct in which the caucus is held may participate. No previous party affiliation is required. You should be prepared to state that you intend to support that party in the next general election or have supported that party in the last general election. Caucuses are open political party meetings. Anyone, including people who will not be eligible to vote, may attend the caucus as an observer. – Why should I go? At your precinct caucus you will have a chance to choose delegates to represent you in future political conventions, and you will have a chance to help shape your party’s platform through resolutions you introduce and pass. The precinct caucus is the most “grassroots” part of the political process, and gives you the most influence over candidates and positions. If you’ve felt you should “get involved” somehow, start at your precinct caucus. You’ll probably be only one of the several first-timers, and you’ll be at the entry-level for political activity. – Who determines a party’s platform? Anyone participating in a precinct caucus may offer a resolution for consideration in that political party’s platform. Resolutions need not be written in formal language. Resolutions that are approved will be presented to the county or legislative district convention for discussion and approval. Resolutions approved at a district conventions are sent on to the state convention where the party platform is developed. – How do I become a delegate? Each precinct is allotted delegates according to the number of votes cast in that precinct for the party’s candidates in the last general election. Each precinct nominates and elects delegates to the next level (county or legislative district) convention. Delegates from precinct caucuses will compete in county/district conventions for congressional district and state delegate seats. – What about conflicts with other meetings or work? Because of the importance of precinct caucuses, laws have been enacted to eliminate conflicts with certain other public events and with employment to enable a larger number of people to attend. State agencies, school boards, county boards of commissioners, township boards or city councils cannot conduct meetings after 6 p.m. on the night precinct caucuses are convened. Also, state universities, community colleges and public schools cannot hold school-sponsored events after 6 p.m. The law also permits every employee to attend a precinct caucus. If you wish to take time off from work to attend, you must give your employer at least 10 days written notice. You may then take time off without penalty other than a deduction in salary for the time you are absent. – Are the caucuses accessible? State law requires that all precinct caucus activities be fully accessible to everyone. The building where the caucus is held should be fully accessible to mobility-impaired people if at all possible. If you are communicatively impaired, you may request an interpreter without cost to you for the caucus and party conventions by sending a certified letter to your party’s county or district committee at least 30 days before the caucus. If you are visually impaired, you may request advance copies of the printed caucus materials so you may have them converted to a useful format beforehand. How can I propose a resolution? Any caucus participant can propose a resolution. While resolutions are not binding on candidates or party leaders, they do serve to express grassroots sentiments. Resolutions passed at precinct caucuses can become part of a political party’s platform. For best results, bring one or more written copies of your resolution. When the time comes, stand to be recognized, and when the chair acknowledges you, say, “I move that this precinct support the following resolution…” and read your proposal. Often there is debate on the resolutions so be prepared to discuss your issue. There may also be amendments proposed to your resolution. Consider whether these are friendly amendments or if you will fight against them by putting them to a vote. Remember that these resolutions do not need to be in precise legal language since they will be considered and refined by party leaders at a later date. – What are some general tips for caucus effectiveness? First, it is important to find your caucus location beforehand by calling the county auditor or your party’s office. Arrive early so you can get to know your neighbors and stay until the meeting is adjourned. Use sources and approaches that everyone can recognize and respect. If you are elected as a delegate or an alternate, be sure to fulfill the duties of your post. With the opportunity to have a say in government comes responsibility. If you intend to write a resolution, have copies available for the caucus secretary. Don’t hand out resolutions from a newsletter or paper. Let the resolution come from you and know it well enough that you can state simply why it should be passed. And finally, bring as many friends and relatives with you as you can. In many caucuses the numbers are small and a few votes can make a whole lot of difference.
Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City) serves District 18B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, which includes most of the Annandale-South Haven area. Constituents in Meeker and Wright counties can contact him at 521 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, call 651-296-4344, or e-mail to rep.dean.urdahl@house.mn.
