Political parties are vital instruments in our democratic political process.  Vibrant local parties ensure that you have a choice when you vote in city, county, and state elections.  A local political party, however, is only as vibrant as the supporters who come out every two years and attend their local precinct caucuses. 

The caucuses coming up on Tuesday evening, February 25, are your opportunity to get engaged in identifying and supporting candidates that share your values and your passions.  Caucuses are the first critical step you need to take to become a delegate to the conventions that will be held this year to hear from and endorse candidates.   

Republican caucuses are more than a process for selecting candidates.  They are also the means of refreshing our party’s leadership and objectives.  Meetings of conservative-minded neighbors elect local leaders from among their number to represent them at party meetings.  These meetings also give you the opportunity to identify what issues are important to you through resolutions to amend the party’s platform. 

Should you attend your precinct caucus on February 25?  Do you feel that local, county, and state governments have their priorities straight?  Are they spending your taxes wisely and efficiently?   Is your local representative listening and responding to your concerns?  Do you want to help field candidates that are more closely aligned to your values?   The people leading your party today need your help and support.  Don’t assume that they will always be there. 

Where will the caucuses be held?  When available on the MN Secretary of State’s website, you will be able to find your caucus location at this link .  Here are the locations for SD49, SD50 and Eden Prairie.

• If you live in Bloomington, they will be held at Jefferson High School, 4001 W. 102nd St., Bloomington
• If you live in Edina, they will be held at Edina’s South View Middle School, 4725 South View Lane., Edina
• If you live in an Eden Prairie or Minnetonka neighborhood northeast of I-494, they will be held at Edina’s South View Middle School, 4725 South View Lane, Edina
• If you live in an Eden Prairie neighborhood outside of I-494, they will be held at the Eden Prairie Central Middle School, 8025 School Rd, Eden Prairie.

When will they start on February 25?  Doors will open at 6:15 pm.  The caucuses will officially kick off at 7:00 pm.  Expect that they will last about 90 minutes.

Will I need to register to attend?  You will need to sign in and affirm that you believe in the principles of the Republican Party. 

Is there a cost to attend?  The caucuses are free, but contributions to help defray the cost of holding the caucuses will be requested and would be appreciated. 

Please, be sure to mark February 25th on your calendar.