Jan 20, 2008 2:42 pm US/Central
Minnesota Caucus Resource Page
When are Minnesota's caucuses?
The 2008 Minnesota p recinct caucuses will be held Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. These caucuses are the first step used by Minnesota's major political parties to select the candidates and issues they will support in the 2008 elections.
Minnesota 's three major political parties are the Democratic-Farmer-Labor, Independence and Republican parties.
What do you do at a caucus?
While at a caucus, participants will elect delegates and alternates to attend the party's convention held later in the year to determine which candidates will receive that party's endorsement.
Participants, led by a chairman or chairwoman, indicate their preferences for their party's presidential nomination, pick delegates to their county conventions and discuss party business, including their party platforms. Caucuses also provide a forum for participants to voice their views on political issues, and a place for other candidates for elected office to build support.
Precinct caucuses are open to the public, but to participate in the caucus, you must be eligible to vote in the Nov. 4, 2008 state general election.
Where are caucuses held?
Minnesota caucuses are held is various locations across the state. To find out where your particular caucus is taking place click on the link below.
Minnesota Caucus Finder
You can also contact your county auditors' office or one of the major political parties. The major political parties traditionally publish their caucus location information in the newspapers during the week before their caucus date.
The Independence party will be holding virtual precinct caucuses starting Feb. 6 at www.mnip.org.
What happens next?
Each caucus will elect a certain number of delegates, which they usually set based on the voting results in that precinct for the party's candidates in previous state elections. The delegates elected on precinct caucus night will take part in the party's county or district convention, and many of these delegates will continue on to the congressional district and state conventions.
Click on the links below for more information on the Minnesota caucuses and major party resources.
Minnesota's Secretary of State Web Site
Minnesota Caucus Information (PDF)
Minnesota Caucus Finder
Minnesota Party Web Sites:
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Independence Party of Minnesota
Republican Party of Minnesota
National Party Web Sites:
The Democratic Party
The Republican Party
Green Party of the United States
The Libertarian Party
Constitution Party
Reform Party
Candidate Resources:
Campaign '08 Candidate Tracker
Campaign '08 Primary Tracker 
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