A precinct caucus is an event held in even-numbered years, where individuals who live within a certain area, or precinct, and all support a particular party, get together to decide the direction of that party. This is the very start of the political process and you will be helping to select the candidates that the party puts forth in the next election.  You will also have the chance to bring forth issues important to you that you would like to see the party address.  Each precinct will elect a precinct chair and will nominate delegates (and alternates) to represent them at higher party levels.

Where is my precinct?

Go to the MNGOP's Precinct Finder.

Okay, great....but what do I do when I show up?

• When you show up you'll be asked to sign in.  By signing in, you state your general intent to support that party in the upcoming election and that you agree with the principles set forth by that party.  From this point you can be as active a participant as you want.
• You will be electing delegates and alternates.  If you want to represent your precincts at higher levels, then by all means sign up to be a delegate and your fellow precinct members may select you as such.  You will then be their voice at higher levels.
• If you want to bring forth a particular issue, by all means bring that up when your precinct meets.  If you are not elected as delegate, your delegates can then bring this issue up later on in the political process.
• You will be electing precincts chairs, these important individuals will represent your precinct in the BPOU committee and vote the day-to-day activities of the BPOU.

For current caucus updates and important dates go to our SD-45 Caucus Page.

Sounds exciting, but am I eligible to participate?

More than likely yes.  If you are eligible to vote in that precinct in the next election, you are not active within any other political party and you agree with the principles of that party, then yes!!

Even if you don't meet the above qualifications, you can attend as a guest -- but will likely not be eligible to be elected as a delegate, alternate or precinct chair.

Okay, so I'm eligible, but why should I attend?

Ever heard it said that you can't complain about your government if you didn't vote?  Well, same principle here.  It's a very easy way to be active in the party of your choice and to make sure the party is run the way you want.  You will have a voice both in what issues are raised and also in selecting the people that run the party.

While precinct caucuses are only the first step in a long political process, they are a step.  And they are your doorway to becoming more active in your party.  It is your chance to have a say in your party's platform and the candidates it selects.  In short, the precinct caucuses give you a voice!

Want a bit more detail? Read on...

What's happening at the caucuses?

The evening of the caucus, you will be asked to sign‑in as either a member of the Republican party or a guest. As a party member you are agreeing to the principles of the Republican Party and to support Republican candidates upcoming elections. As a guest, you may attend the precinct caucus to watch, learn and ask questions, but you cannot vote for any of the officers, delegates, and alternates, or take part in the straw poll.

1. Election of delegates and alternates

At the caucuses, you will have an opportunity to elect delegates who will go to party endorsement conventions held in the spring and summer, as well as the following year.

2. Discussion of issues

Caucuses also provide a forum for you to voice your view on issues such as taxes, education, transportation, property rights, and others. You can submit and vote on resolutions that the party conventions may make a part of the party platform.

3. Election of local party leadership

The local Republican Party elects their precinct officers at the caucuses.

Also, if you think you might be interested in running for an elected office, the caucus is a good place to seek support.

4. Straw Ballot

Your Senate District may conduct preference polls for major election candidates, such as Governor or President.

Who can attend the caucuses?

Anyone can attend the precinct caucus to observe.  You can participate and vote in the party’s caucus if you reside in the precinct, will be eligible to vote in the November election, and are not an active member of any other political party.

How do I find out where the precinct caucus will be held?

Senate District caucus locations will be available on the CD3 and CD5 web sites and the MNGOP state party site. About a week before the caucus, the local paper will also list the location of the precinct caucuses. Our SD-45 Caucus will be held at Robbinsdale Cooper High School Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7:00pm. > Details and map

What if I work or have school that evening?

Minnesota Statues section 202AAA.19 permits you to take time off from work without pay to attend your caucus if you give your employer written notice at least days in advance.

State universities, community colleges and public schools cannot hold classes or events after 6:00 p.m. on the evening of precinct caucuses.

State agencies, school boards, county boards, township boards, city councils, and all other political subdivisions cannot conduct meetings after 6:00 p.m. on caucus night.

How do I become a delegate?

Each precinct will elect a number of delegates. The MN Republican Party and your Senate District will set the number of delegates based on the voting results in each precinct for the party's candidate in the previous state election. Delegates elected at precinct caucuses take part in your Senate District conventions. They may also take part in the endorsing conventions for the congressional district, state, county (if held) and city (if held). If you are unable to attend, you can still be elected as a delegate. You need to contact either the precinct chair or an elected delegate to have your name placed as a delegate or alternate candidate. The evening of the caucus, the attendees will vote for acceptance of the delegate and alternate candidates slate.

Speaking the Language

First time caucus-goers can sometimes be confused by the jargon used during the meeting. Here is a quick translation of some of the most common bits of political jargon:

BPOU - Basic Political Organizational Unit (in a House/Senate District. Ours is 45)

Call -  The official notice of a party convention or meeting.

Caucus -  A party meeting.

Delegate -  A person elected to represent their group at higher party meetings. Delegates are usually elected based on the candidates or positions that they support.

Endorsement -  When the delegates vote as a party unit to support a candidate. The candidate may then receive party resources to support his or her election efforts. However, endorsed candidates must still win the party's nomination at the primary election

Election Judge -  A person nominated by a major party and appointed by a city or township to administer voting at a precinct polling place.

Major Party -  A party receiving the support of 5% of the number of people voting at the last state general election and a vote in each of Minnesota’s 87 counties.

Nomination -  Candidates must be nominated before their names will be listed on the November election ballot. Major party candidates are nominated at the state primary election in September.

Party Platform -  The list of principles and issues positions that guide candidates, workers and members of a political party.

Precinct -  A voting district containing one polling place.

Resolution -  A written statement of an idea, issue, concern or action for people to consider at a caucus for possible addition to the party platform.

For current caucus updates and important dates go to our SD-45 Caucus Page.

If you have any additional questions about caucuses, call the MNGOP office at (651) 222-0022, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .