Feb
23
2024
Minnesota’s Precinct Caucuses are Tuesday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m. These caucuses begin parties’ process of endorsing candidates, electing convention delegates, and passing party platform resolutions. No matter the political party, we want leaders who understand and support working Minnesotans. We want political parties to support our issues. That can’t happen unless union members show up on Caucus Night and make our presence felt. We’ve put together some frequently asked questions and sample resolutions (see below) to help you show your support for working people.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL PRECINCT CAUCUSES BE HELD?
The 2024 precinct caucuses are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. They will take place at locations set by the parties. (see M.S. 202A.14) Parties share these locations with the Secretary of State, and voters can find the caucus location for their address with the Caucus Finder tool.
WHAT IS A PRECINCT CAUCUS?
Precinct caucuses are meetings run by Minnesota’s political parties. They are the first in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates, select delegates, and set goals and values (called party platforms).
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CAUCUS?
Each political party runs their caucus meetings a little differently. Check with your political party if you have specific questions. Generally, there are three main activities at a caucus:
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Choose volunteers who will organize political activities in the precinct. This could include maintaining contact lists, holding political meetings, and helping with campaign efforts.
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Discuss issues and ideas for the party to support. You can present an issue or idea for the party to support, called a resolution. If you convince other attendees to support your resolution, it will be taken to the next political convention. Eventually, your resolution could become part of the official party platform.
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Choose delegates who will endorse candidates at future conventions. At future conventions, party delegates will endorse state and federal candidates, including for Governor. Political parties have different ways of choosing delegates at the precinct level caucus—contact your party for more information.
RIGHT TO TIME OFF WORK TO ATTEND CAUCUSES
You have the right to take time off work to be at a precinct caucus or political party convention (if you’re a delegate or alternate). You must give your employer ten days’ written notice (See 202A.19, subd.2 and 202A.135).
ACCESSIBILITY AT CAUCUSES
Major political parties must attempt to provide you an interpreter by request, if you are deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing. If you are visually impaired, you also have the right to get written caucus materials ahead of time, by request (see 202A.155).