PEPPIN REPORT: Grassroots Democracy in Action: Attend a precinct caucus on Feb. 4!

Folks across the state have the opportunity to take an active role in grassroots democracy by attending a precinct caucus on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7:00 p.m. Precinct caucuses are the first step on the road to the primary and general elections—and you can play a very important role along that journey!

New to precinct caucuses? In short, they are the first stop for selecting and nominating candidates whose names will be on the ballot, as well as deciding on a political party’s platform and electing precinct officers. Caucuses provide a setting for people to gather with like-minded neighbors to discuss important issues and make their voice heard.

This fundamental part of the democratic process is so important, state legislators decades ago laid out clear details in statute (Chapter 202A.14) on the timing and order of the meetings. Now it’s your turn to participate in an age-old tradition that will help shape the future of our great state!

This year, voters will be responsible for electing all of Minnesota's executive officers (Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor), all members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, one United States Senator, and all of Minnesota's eight seats in the United States House of Representatives.

All Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party caucuses in Senate District 34 (Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, Rogers) will convene at Maple Grove High School (9800 Fernbrook Lane N., Maple Grove, Minn. 55369). For more information, visit www.dfl.org or call 651-293-1200.

Folks in Rogers wishing to attend a Republican Party caucus can head to the Rogers Community Center (21201 Memorial Dr., Rogers, Minn. 55374). Those in Dayton will meet at Dayton Elementary School (12000 S. Diamond Lake Rd., Dayton, Minn. 55327), and GOP caucus-goers in Maple Grove will convene at Maple Grove Jr. High School (7000 Hemlock Ln. N., Maple Grove, Minn. 55369). More information can be located at www.mngop.com or by calling 651-222-0022.

The Independence Party of Minnesota will be hosting online caucuses. Learn more at www.mnip.org or call 651-998-9156.

To search the location of a different precinct caucus, please use the “Caucus Finder” on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website (www.sos.state.mn.us). The site also details caucus specifics and orients newcomers to this year’s electoral events.

Remember, all caucuses convene at 7:00 p.m. Make sure you attend and take part in this civic process!