I Caucus Because...
by Anita Smithson (She/her, Precinct 12 Chair, SD50 CC Member)
Image source: MN DFL (@MinnesotaDFL)
I caucus because politics are local, and politics are personal. I really believe, as do many other DFLers, that though conversations with our neighbors we can find common ground and solutions to improve lives in our communities. One of the most impactful ways you can be involved in your local DFL, is through serving as a Precinct Chair or Vice Chair.
Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs are elected during precinct caucuses (on February 25, 2020!) and these people serve as the direct link between the SD50 DFL and voters in their precinct. Responsibilities of the post include facilitating voter registration, leading get out the vote outreach efforts, distributing campaign and party literature, promoting the party, and addressing voter concerns. On Caucus night, we will elect 1 Precinct Chair, and 2 Vice Chairs for each of the 26 precincts in our Senate District, SD50.
From the SD50 DFL:
The Role of Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs in SD50
Folks elected to these positions play an important role in the grassroots efforts of our democracy. The purpose of DFL SD50 is to get our DFL candidates elected to the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives, and precinct officers play a vital role in accomplishing this. The precinct is the most basic unit of the state’s political structure - each of us votes at a polling place within our own precinct.
The objective of our local unit is as simple as it is profound: Build an enduring grassroots organization that can serve as a vehicle for advocating for important issues and for our party’s candidates. The issues and campaigns will change over time, but having a vibrant, active precinct-level organization is vital to providing progressive-minded citizens with a permanent voice in our district’s politics.
Why is precinct engagement so effective? First, it activates registered voters. The most powerful communication to an elected official begins with “My name is Yolanda Wilson and I’m a registered voter in your district”. Second, it reaches out to voters who share our positions on vital issues, like education, fair and affordable housing, and health care.
The Responsibilities of Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs in SD50
Precinct Chair:
· Attend the monthly meeting of the SD50 Central Committee and, as a voting member, participate in the business of the local unit.
· Identify and engage with as many other progressive voters in the precinct as possible. A good goal is to find enough like-minded voters to equal 10% of the total number of registered voters.
· Identify, inform and mobilize a group of precinct volunteers on special projects as needed. This could include distributing voter guides, registering voters, making sure voters vote on Election Day, and lobbying your local school board, council or legislature.
· Stay informed on Local Unit activities and projects.
Vice Chairs:
· Support the activities above as the key precinct volunteers for the Chair.
· Act as an alternate for voting at the monthly meeting of the SD50 Central Committee should the Precinct Chair not be able to attend the meeting.
Tools and Resources for Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs in SD50
· Maps of your precinct are available from the Minnesota Legislature: https://www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/precincts/
· Lists of registered voters in your precinct can be provided by your local unit leaders.
· The SD50 website https://www.sd50dfl.org provides a calendar of upcoming events where you can announce neighborhood activities.
There are plenty of ways to make an impact in this role, and there are seasoned DFLers who are ready to help you learn the ropes. Some of the best new friendships I have made, have been through the local DFL. On behalf of the SD50 DFL Central Committee, I hope you join us for precinct caucuses on February 25th, 2020 – at 6:30 pm; and I hope you consider running to be a Precinct Chair or Vice Chair. I cannot wait to organize with you!
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