Precinct Caucuses: What to Know.

 

Over six decades ago, an eighth-grade teacher asked a class of puzzled students,“Who is the government?” When the students guessed the President, the Governor, orthe Mayor, the teacher shook his head. The answer was simpler and more profound:“You.”As we look toward the consequential elections on Nov. 3, 2026, that lesson remains more relevant than ever. Democracy is a shared civic responsibility - a duty to participate so decisions are made by the many rather than the few. In Minnesota, that work begins at the grassroots level with precinct caucuses.

The First Step in the Election Cycle
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, political parties in counties across Minnesota will hold their
precinct caucuses. These meetings are the official starting point for political parties to
determine who will appear on the November ballot for local legislative seats, statewide
offices including Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State, our Congressional
Representatives and one U.S. Senator.

For many, the process can feel intimidating, but it is the most direct way to ensure
your voice is heard. The core of the caucus is the resolution. If you have a problem you
want addressed at the state or federal level, you simply write it down along with your
desired solution. That’s it. Your idea becomes part of the political conversation.

To help demystify this process, the League of Women Voters of the Park Rapids
Area (LWV) is hosting an educational program and discussion Jan. 28th.  

Our 100 years-plus organization is a non partisan group, who does not support or endorse candidates,
but holds timely programs to educate voters.

The League believes that an educated and well-informed electorate is the backbone
of a healthy democracy. Because weather in January can be unpredictable, this
program will be held at 4:00 pm via ZOOM, allowing citizens to participate from the comfort and
safety of their homes.

How to Participate: Email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org  with your name and email address to
request the meeting link.

Note: Zoom links will be distributed to registrants Jan. 26.
Beyond the caucuses, there are many ways to stay involved, whether through phone
calls, emails or letters to the editor. Government is not something happening
to us. It is: We the People; doing the work.

Plan to get involved this year starting on February 3rd. Do not be silent; your voice matters.