Precinct Caucus: What will I do there? by Dorothy Fleming MNGOP Deputy Chair
Here is installment number 3 of 6 in this great series! Precinct Caucus: What will I do There?This is a great series I found on my MNGOP’s Deputy Chair: Dorothy Fleming’s website! She was nice enough to let me bring it to you! You can go to her site to read all the next ones in the series or wait for me to post them over here on the Grizzly Groundswell! Let’s get the precinct caucuses overflowing on Feb. 5, 2007! Bring your passion and your smile!
May 21 2007 What will I do there?
(Part 3 of 6)If this is your first caucus, you may be reassured to know just what to expect. The caucus, or neighborhood meeting, is called to order at 7 p.m. It’s a good idea to be there early.
(note: we use the term BPOU to describe the local party unit. It stands for Basic Political Organizational Unit and can be a House District, Senate District or county.)
- First of all, you want to make sure you’re in the right room! Sometimes Republican caucuses are in the same location as Democratic caucuses. You also want to confirm that you are in the right precinct (some caucus groups combine precincts in one room).
- Sign in at the registration table and be sure to write/print so your information can be easily read. The person calling the meeting to order is a temporary chairman. The group will then proceed to elect a permanent chair. It may be that person; or, it may be someone else elected by the group.
- The Chairman may begin the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. (While registration remains open throughout the evening, election of delegates/alternates takes place between 30 to 60 minutes after the meeting is convened.)
- Letters from Party officials and/or candidates are often read at the beginning along with any pertinent Republican business in your district.
- This year there will be a presidential straw ballot. You will have the opportunity to vote for your favorite candidate for president!
- The group will then ask if any of those attending would like to be responsible for the precinct by running for Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary or Treasurer. If there is more than one person running for any of the positions, an election for that position is held. The positions are two year terms. This is a perfect opportunity to get involved at the most local level.
- After the election the Chair announces the date and location of the BPOU Convention. The Chair then tells attendees the number of delegates and alternates to be elected to represent the precinct at the BPOU Convention and asks for nominations. Caucus attendees decide the method of election.
- (If it is necessary for you to leave early, the best time would be after delegates/alternates are elected.)
- All caucus attendees are welcome to introduce resolutions. Resolutions are the subject of Part IV.
If you have been elected a delegate or alternate, your BPOU leader will contact you by mail with the information you need to attend the up-coming convention. The purpose of that convention is to endorse a House candidate, elect delegates to the Congressional/State Conventions, and to present, discuss resolutions.
Regardless of elected position, you are valuable to the Republican Party of Minnesota. You don’t have to wait to be called! Call your precinct chair or district leader to find out about meetings and volunteer opportunities. You can always call the State Party Office 651.222.0022 or contact a Republican candidate’s campaign directly.
If you have neighbors who missed the caucus, invite them to volunteer too! This is an exciting year for the Republican Party-don’t miss out!
~by Dorothy Fleming, MN GOP Deputy Chair
I already know I am going to be at Zimmerman, Jr. High School in my precinct caucus on Feb. 5th, 2008! Remember the simple Grizzly Groundswell Formula: Awaken + Stand Up + Step Into Action = Changing the Political Landscape in your backyard! It works everytime!
~Teddy Bear
Link to this page
everyone get out there and ensure Ron Paul the Republican nomination!!!