Get involved — don’t miss your precinct caucus
By: Jeffrey Strand 03/01/2009
In November 2009 Minneapolis voters will be making important choices about who will become the next Mayor, who will serve as Council Member in the 13 Wards, and who will serve on the Park & Recreation Board and the Board of Estimate & Taxation. Not all voters realize that the political parties conduct processes to select their candidates for these offices. Citizens can become involved in the grassroots political process by attending the upcoming local precinct caucus or meeting for the political party of one's choice. North Minneapolis Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party members will initiate the selection process in Precinct Caucus meetings and subsequent Ward Conventions to be held for Wards 3, 4 and 5. City DFL precinct caucuses will be held on Tuesday, March 3 starting at 7 p.m. (registration 6:30 p.m.). Ward 3 precincts meet at Sheridan School, 1201 University Ave. NE; Ward 4 precincts meet at Patrick Henry High School, 4320 Newton Ave. N.; and Ward 5 precincts meet at North High School, 1500 James Ave. N. Attendees at the precinct caucuses will elect persons to attend the subsequent ward conventions and city convention.
Political conventions are held in each of the City's 13 wards on Saturdays from March 14 through April 28. Convention registration occurs at 9 a.m. and convenes at 10 a.m.: Ward 3 on March 28 at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd Ave. NE; Ward 4 on March 21 at Creekview Park Gymnasium, 5001 Irving Ave. N.; and Ward 5 on March 28 at North Commons Park Center, 1801 James Ave. N. The Minneapolis DFL Party's City Convention and Park District Conventions will occur on Saturday, May 16 at Washburn High School, 201 W. 49th St. Get info at www.mpls.dfl.org or http://58dfl.org/MPLSCaucuses.htm.
Since political parties aren't required to hold caucus in off-election years, the Senate District 58 Republicans will not be holding city caucus meetings this year according to Dean Niesen, BPOU Chair. But the GOP State Office says Republicans still may hold a city convention - so for info call 651-222-0022 or visit www.mngop.org.
The Independence Caucus for the Minneapolis 2009 municipal election year has been set. The online caucus will be held from March 9-31. The online caucus will have several interactive features which will provide an online version of the caucus that is most similar to a physical caucus. The physical caucus is set for Saturday, March 28 starting at 11a.m. Locations will be announced the last week of February. For locations contact 651-487-9700 or visit www.mnip.org.
The Green Party has not yet posted meetings, so call 651-288-2820 or visit www.mngreens.org for updates.