By Rich Larson, KYMN News
Grassroots politics will take center stage tonight as Minnesotans turn out for precinct caucuses. Communities across the state, including right here in Northfield, will gather in school gyms, church halls and community centers to participate in one of the state’s oldest civic traditions. All caucuses begin at 7pm, with most opening doors for registration at 6:30, so participants can check in and receive instructions before meetings start.
Although Minnesota now holds a presidential nomination primary in March, caucuses remain a key part of the political calendar because state law and party rules still require precinct caucuses for parties to conduct internal business — including electing local officers, choosing delegates to party conventions and considering resolution proposals that can shape party platforms. The presidential primary itself does not replace these caucuses, because they focus on broader organizational and policy work that a statewide ballot cannot accomplish.
At tonight’s caucuses, voters who consider themselves members of a political party will first sign in with their name, address and affirmation of party membership before the meeting begins. Participants must arrive on time and attendees must be at least 16 to take part, with 18-year-olds eligible to vote or be elected to positions at the caucus.
Once called to order, the caucus elects a chair and other officers and may hear brief remarks from local candidates or party leaders. Attendees can propose and debate resolutions on issues ranging from education to environmental policy; if adopted by the group, these may be forwarded to higher party conventions for further consideration.
Delegates and alternates are also chosen at the precinct level to represent Northfield and surrounding areas at organizing unit and district conventions, where parties will go on to endorse candidates for state and federal offices. This multi-tiered system ties grassroots involvement directly into broader party decision-making over the coming year.
Caucus night is governed by state statute, which sets the caucus dates and times, and also protects participants’ rights — for example, permitting residents to take unpaid time off work to attend if they provide written notice to an employer.
Despite criticisms that caucuses can be time-intensive and less accessible than primaries, proponents say that these meetings — small, face-to-face and participatory — offer ordinary citizens an opportunity to help shape the political direction of their parties and communities.
The Republican Party Caucus will be at Northfield High School this evening, while the DFL will caucus at Northfield Middle School. Registration opens at 6:30. The proceedings begin at 7:00.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
