This year, at 7 p.m. on March 7, citizens throughout Minnesota will gather in schools, town halls, fire stations and even private homes to participate in precinct caucuses. Local precinct caucuses are the first step in Minnesota's political process, and the best chance to have your voice heard. After caucuses come endorsing conventions, district conventions, filing for office, primaries, and ultimately, Election Day in November.
The true purpose of the evening is to gather as a local party unit to discuss issues and choose delegates. In addition to that, I strongly support the precinct caucus process because it is a chance to meet neighbors and get involved. Getting involved may mean running for delegate or alternate, presenting a resolution, running for office yourself, or volunteering your time to help a candidate.
If you have never been to a precinct caucus, I urge you to make plans this year to attend. If you've attended precinct caucuses before, I challenge you to bring someone from your family or neighborhood. This is a uniquely American and Minnesota election process that we are privileged to participate in.
Your attendance at your local precinct caucus shows you care about our democratic process and the future leadership of our state. For more information on precinct caucuses and help finding caucus locations, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp .
Hope to see you there.
