2008 Woodie Awards
The caucus process
As Super Tuesday approaches, groups offer students chance to familiarize with caucusing
by Brittney Hansen
Issue date: 1/29/08
Section: Election 2008
Super Duper Tuesday, or precinct caucus night, is approaching in Minnesota Feb. 5. This is an important night for those who wish to be actively involved in the political process and will help presidential candidates decide what issues are important to their constituents. For Minnesota State students and Mankato community members who may be new to the voting process or want a better understanding of how the caucus process works, OutFront Minnesota and the Human Rights Campaign will be at MSU today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to host a caucus training in CSU 204. This event is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is preferred through the Outfront.org website.
"Really what it is about is learning how the process works in general, learning about the nomination process and then also learning how to put forward resolutions to the government," said Jessica Flatequal, LGBT Center programming director.
"If we get more people engaged in the political process at all different levels we are going to have policy outcomes and elected officials that truly reflect the values of Minnesota," said Monica Meyer, OutFront public policy director.
This public caucus training is taking place because many constituents may not be familiar with the caucusing process or know how to shape the platforms of political candidates by writing and passing issue resolutions.
When caucusing, constituents break into political parties. Democrats go to one location, Republicans to another, and constituents are split up into groups according to district.
Within those districts, representatives are then elected to represent the district and constituents vote for who they want to be the presidential nominee of their party.
"A lot of people feel like a lot of the political processes are difficult to get involved in so we're trying to break down barriers that way," Meyer said.
Flatequal noted the importance of students learning the process and this is one of the only ways for them to become familiar with it.
"What we don't want is for people to go in and feel like they have no idea what to do, or when to speak up, or when to say something," Flatequal said.
Meyer said that becoming familiar with the process is of particular importance because GLBT rights and issues are still considered taboo by many, so it is important for people to break the silence and ensure that Minnesota becomes more accepting and fair on the topic.
"It's really important for people who support GLBT rights to get out there and talk about why they support fairness and equality for everyone," said Meyer.
Brittney Hansen is a Reporter staff writer
"Really what it is about is learning how the process works in general, learning about the nomination process and then also learning how to put forward resolutions to the government," said Jessica Flatequal, LGBT Center programming director.
"If we get more people engaged in the political process at all different levels we are going to have policy outcomes and elected officials that truly reflect the values of Minnesota," said Monica Meyer, OutFront public policy director.
This public caucus training is taking place because many constituents may not be familiar with the caucusing process or know how to shape the platforms of political candidates by writing and passing issue resolutions.
When caucusing, constituents break into political parties. Democrats go to one location, Republicans to another, and constituents are split up into groups according to district.
Within those districts, representatives are then elected to represent the district and constituents vote for who they want to be the presidential nominee of their party.
"A lot of people feel like a lot of the political processes are difficult to get involved in so we're trying to break down barriers that way," Meyer said.
Flatequal noted the importance of students learning the process and this is one of the only ways for them to become familiar with it.
"What we don't want is for people to go in and feel like they have no idea what to do, or when to speak up, or when to say something," Flatequal said.
Meyer said that becoming familiar with the process is of particular importance because GLBT rights and issues are still considered taboo by many, so it is important for people to break the silence and ensure that Minnesota becomes more accepting and fair on the topic.
"It's really important for people who support GLBT rights to get out there and talk about why they support fairness and equality for everyone," said Meyer.
Brittney Hansen is a Reporter staff writer
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