It's that time of year again for Precinct Caucuses!!

What is Precinct Caucuses you ask?

Well it's many things.  The part that will get the most publicity is it's your chance to vote for which Presidential candidate you prefer for the Republican Nomination.  It appears likely the race for the nomination will still be contested.  So while the vote is non-binding, it does indicate Minnesota's current preference for Presidential candidates.

But precinct caucuses are also the beginning of grassroots political involvement.  You are electing delegates to represent your precinct upper Republican party units.  These are the people that run the Republican party and pick it's candidates.  So if you're ever been unhappy with your choice of candidates on Election day, this is your chance to change it!

Along with the delegates you elect, you can also vote on resolutions, which are suggested changes to the state party platform.  This is the document that lists the supported views of the MN Republican Party.

But it's also a chance to get together with your like-minded neighbors and discuss the issues.  This is as grassroots as it gets, because there is no agenda in stone, it's up to the people that show up how to proceed.

So you want to attend?? Great!!  Here's where you go:

All Precinct Caucuses begin at 7pm on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012.

If you're in House District 37A (which includes precincts Apple Valley 1 - 6, Apple Valley 14 - 16 and Burnsville 13 - 16), go here:

Eastview High School
6200 140th St W
Apple Valley, MN 55124

If you're in House District 37B (which includes precincts Apple Valley 7 - 13 and Rosemount 1 - 6), go here:

Rosemount High School
3335 142nd Street West
Rosemount, MN 55068

If you don't know which Precinct or House District you're in, go here.

So what's going to happen when you get there???  Well, you'll probably be ushered towards the theater of the High School, where we'll start as a general session.  There the current officers for your local Republican party will explain the process and how the evening will proceed.  This will be relatively short and then you'll break up into your precincts.  

Your precincts will be meeting at a variety of rooms throughout the High School.  Maps will be provided there.  One you arrive a convenor will help lead the precinct through the process.  That process will include things like:

• Sign in on the PCRC form
• You'll have the option to sign up as a poll observer or election judge
• You'll also have the option to sign up as a volunteer for the Republican Party.
• Vote for your preferred candidate for the Presidential Republican nomination
• Vote for a Precinct Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary: These positions make up part of the leadership of the local Republican Party.
• Vote for delegates/alternates to represent your precinct at party conventions
• Vote for resolutions
• Anything else your precinct decides!

And that would be it! Hope to see you there!

Kevin Ecker
SD37 Secretary