Precinct Caucuses are local meetings, held and run by the two major political parties in Minnesota: the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and the Republican Party (GOP).

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3 the public has the opportunity to meet with neighbors face-to-face, to discuss ideas and actions you support which, if adopted, may become part of the party platform.

A party’s platform is a formal, comprehensive document outlining the party’s core principles, goals and policy positions on key issues. A precinct caucus is the opportunity for voters to learn the process, participate, engage, and have your voice heard.

Anyone may come to observe a precinct caucus. However, in order to be a participant in this grassroots tradition, you must meet the following criteria and voting requirements which are in Minnesota State Statutes (202A.14-202.16):

1. Are you eligible to vote in the next general election? (17-year-olds who turn 18 by election day are included.)

2. Do you reside in the precinct on the day the caucus is held?

3. Do you agree with the political party’s stated principles?

4. Do you agree not to participate in another political party’s precinct caucus in the same year?

If so, you may exercise your right to participate in a precinct caucus.

The state of Minnesota is not involved with either political party’s precinct caucus process other than to assist the public in finding where each precinct caucus is being held. The Precinct Caucus Finder website is https://caucusfinder.sos.mn.gov/. Type in your home address and select “caucus locations” which then gives the address of both the GOP and DFL caucuses for you to choose.

You also may contact your preferred party: dfl.org (651) 293-1200 and mngop.com (651) 222-0022. Minnesota’s minor parties are not required to hold precinct caucuses and may decide not to do so. Contact information for minor parties may be found at www.sos.mn.gov and then search “Political Parties” and scroll toward the bottom.

What will happen at the precinct caucus? Each political party runs their caucus a little differently. Generally, there are three main activities:

1. Choose volunteers who agree to serve as chair and vice-chair for this meeting. They also may organize political activities in the precinct.

2. Discuss issues and ideas for the party to support, known as resolutions. Resolutions are submitted in writing, stating a problem or opportunity, the rationale for presenting it, and your solution or desired outcome. If endorsed, your resolution may become part of the party’s platform.

3. Choose delegates (at least two, depending on population) who will endorse the party platform and candidates at future conventions.

The precinct caucus is the first of five levels in each political party’s process of endorsing a platform and candidates. The ideas and energy that you bring to it may carry on to the next levels over a two-year period at the county, district, state and national conventions. Join in the conversation and make your voice heard.

“Empowering Voters” is a program of the League of Women Voters – New Ulm, a source of nonpartisan voter information, serving New Ulm and the Brown County area to ensure free, fair and safe elections. To learn more, visit newulm.lwv.org or follow our Facebook page.