Political caucuses are not only where you can make your voice heard about governmental issues, these gatherings are also your first— and only until November 8, 2016— chance to choose who you want to be the next president of the United States.
The count of the presidential preference ballots cast at caucuses across the state are taken to county caucuses and then to the state convention to determine which candidates Minnesotans support in the upcoming presidential election. Also to be considered is who will be on the ballot for our member of the U.S. House of Representatives and State senator. Delegates for county and state conventions will also be selected.
Although both the Democratic- Farm-Labor (DFL) and the Republican (GOP) parties will be convening on March 1 and conducting business in much the same format, there are differences. The Republicans will be hosting one gathering for all precincts. The DFL is holding caucuses at four different locations, with a few of the 12 precincts at each location. If you are not sure what precinct is yours, the Minnesota Secretary of State has created a Precinct Caucus Finder. Find it on the Secretary of State website at www.mnvotes.org.
In order to participate in a caucus, Minnesotans must be eligible to vote in the November general election, live in the precinct, and generally agree with the principles of the political party hosting the caucus. Citizens who are 17, but will turn 18 by the November 8, 2016 general election may participate in caucuses.
See below for important dates and times.
. Cook County DFL Caucuses
March 1 | 7 p.m. – registration starts at 6:30 p.m.
. Precincts 1 – 3: Hovland Town Hall,
Convenor Jerry Hiniker
. Precincts 4 – 8A: Arrowhead Center for the Arts,
Convenor Anton Moody
. Precinct 8: Schaap Community Center,
Convenor John Bottger
. Precincts 9 – 12: Birch Grove Community Center,
Convenor Bill Hanson
.DFL County Convention
March 19 | 1 p.m., Cook County Community Center
.Minnesota 8th Congressional District Convention
May 7-8 | Downtown Holiday Inn – Duluth
.DFL State Convention
June 4 | Minneapolis Orchestra Hall
.Cook County Republican Caucus
March 1 | 7 – 9 p.m. – registration begins at 6 p.m.
Cook County Community Center Log Building
All precincts
.Cook County Republican Convention
Date to be determined at Caucus
.Minnesota Republican
8th Congressional District Convention
April 23 | Park Rapids
.Republican State Convention
May 21 | Duluth
.Republican National Convention
July 18-21 | Cleveland, Ohio
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