The local party unit, in this case, the Senate District 55 DFL Central Committee, organizes and holds the precinct caucuses. This is one of the major functions of the Committee.
The next precinct caucus will be held February 7, 2012 at North High School in North St. Paul.
Precinct Finder by Address: Precinct Finder
Polling Place Finder by Address: Poll Finder
What is a DFL precinct caucus?
Your precinct caucus is a neighborhood meeting. It is the first step in the enforcement process for electing candidates to local, state, and national offices. Precinct caucuses are also where we begin to elect officers for the DFL and delegates to our conventions.
Why should I attend my caucus?
Caucuses are a public forum where citizens con make their voices heard before they get to the voting booth. It allows you and your neighbors to come together and discuss the issues that matter to your community. The state party builds it's platform based on resolutions you submit at this meeting. Anybody participating in the caucus is eligible to be elected a delegate or party officer should they desire to be active past caucuses.
What happens at a caucus?
Precinct caucuses usually begin with elections for a variety of positions, such as caucus convener and precinct chair. Discussion and voting on resolutions also occur.
Who can attend a caucus?
Anybody may attend a caucus. However, you must be 16 years old or older to participate in business, and 18 years or older to vote for any action items or run for a delegate position. You must also reside in the precinct in which you caucus and not be an active member of another political party.
When is my caucus?
The next precinct caucus will be held February 7, 2012. Generally, precinct caucuses all across Minnesota are usually held in March on even numbered years.The Minnesota Secretary of State determines and announces the official date one year prior.
Tell me more about resolutions.
Resolutions are values or actions that you can submit to the DFL party to adopt as part of the Party Platform and Agenda. If you feel strongly that the DFL should adopt or change their position on an issue, submit a resolution at your caucus. The caucus attendees will vote on it and if passed, it will be considered the Senate District convention. Many resolution passed at the precinct level become part of the official DFL State Platform and Agenda. You do not need to write a resolution to attend our caucus.
Tell me more about becoming a delegate.
Delegates and alternates to the Senate District convention are selected at precinct level on caucus night. Delegates and alternates are again selected at each convention level (congressional, state, and national). Once the convention ends, your term is up!
Why should I become a delegate?
The delegates at each convention vote on which candidate they feel should receive the party's endorsement. If you feel strongly about a candidate, the easiest way to give support is to become a delegate for them. Delegates also decide who should become officers to represent the district, and vote on which resolutions should be passed on to the State Party.
If you are unable to attend yo may write a why you would like to be elected. Ask a neighbor to bring it on your behalf.
