What is a caucus and who can participate?
Minnesota precinct caucuses, all parties and precincts, are held February 6. A precinct caucus is a great way to participate in democracy at a grassroots level by building and exercising the power of your voice and the voice of your community.
Caucuses are used to endorse candidates for public office, elect delegates to participate in future party conventions, and determine a slate of issues that are important to the party. To participate in your caucus you must be able to vote in the November general election, live in the precinct you are attending, and generally agree with the political party hosting the caucus. All you need to do when you sign in is write your name, address, affiliate yourself with the party, and provide a signature.
Learn more about Minnesota's precinct caucuses from the Minnesota Secretary of State or your favorite political party.
Where is my caucus?
Find yours here! http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/
Getting Elected to your Local Party Convention
One of the most important items of business is the election of delegates to local party conventions. Your local convention - typically organized by Senate District or County, depending on your party and where you live - is the body responsible for endorsing candidates for the State Legislature and electing delegates to State and Congressional District Conventions.
Sierra Club members are strongly encouraged to consider becoming a delegate to their local convention. It’s the best way to advocate for environmental champions running for public office!
Supporting Issues through Resolutions
Presenting a caucus resolution is a great way to support environmental issues or other issues you care about!. Resolutions are adopted at precinct caucuses to be part of a party's platform. They need to be submitted in writing and presented in-person during a caucus. The Sierra Club is supporting the following resolutions that you can present at your caucus:
How to Present your Resolution
If you want to present a resolution you must submit it in writing at your caucus. Each party has a resolution form - you can see the DFL form and the GOP form are slightly different. It helps to bring copies of the resolution to share with other participants to support it. After you present your resolution there is time for discussion or debate, and then the people will vote whether or not to adopt your resolution. Every caucus will be different depending on your party and your precinct.
What to Expect
Check out this video from the League of Women Voters Minnesota!
Material above adapted from “Support the Environmental at your Minnesota Precinct Caucus” by Natalie Jacobs.