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The state’s two major parties will begin creating their party platforms leading up to Nov. midterms
By Sommer Wagen — Editor
Precinct caucuses across Minnesota will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m., giving the state’s major parties and their constituents the chance to start shaping their party platforms ahead of midterm elections in November.
Caucuses are the first in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates for state and local offices, select delegates for the statewide conventions and set goals and values that make up their party platforms, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. Constituents may also bring issues to potentially pass as resolutions to be discussed at this year’s conventions.
County chairs of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) and Republican parties of Minnesota are hoping for larger turnouts in light of immigration enforcement operations putting the state in the spotlight.
“It is a chance to turn what might be kind of an anxious time into action,” said Cass County DFL Chair Barbara Keinath to Lakeland PBS. “Being involved, taking steps that are concrete, can make all of us feel better about what is happening.”
Doug Henry, chair of the Beltrami County GOP, told Lakeland PBS that resolutions on immigration and immigration enforcement will arise at this year’s caucus.
In a January 14 press release, Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash stated that federal law enforcement is “preventing chaos in the streets right now” and that “Violent criminals are being taken off the streets — something state leadership refused to do until Washington stepped in.”
In addition to its caucus activities, the DFL will be holding a preferential poll for gubernatorial candidates. On Thursday, Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced her bid for governor, describing a moment to be ready for “transformative change,” per MPR.
Roseville’s DFL caucus will be held at Chippewa Valley Middle School Rm 207, 5000 Hodgson Rd, North Oaks, MN 55126. Its Republican caucus will be held at Roseville Area High School, 1240 W County Rd B2, Roseville, MN 55113.
Those interested in participating can find their caucus on the Secretary of State’s website, as well as trainings, non-attendance and resolution forms on their party’s website.
