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Brian Melendez and Ron Carey: Above all, participate

Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

March 2006: People attending the 64A Ward 2, precinct 2 caucus held their hands in the air showing who had interest in being a delegate.

It's easy -- and flexible. Here's a look at how the process works.

By BRIAN MELENDEZ and RON CAREY

Last update: January 23, 2008 - 12:34 PM

As the chairs of the Minnesota DFL Party and the Republican Party of Minnesota, we often disagree. But we agree strongly on one thing: We want you to attend your precinct caucus on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Precinct caucuses are a great Minnesota tradition, and they are a way that you can make change in your community from the ground up. Precinct caucuses are neighborhood meetings where like-minded people concerned about our country's direction get together to start making plans to actually do something about it.

And precinct caucuses are Minnesotans' first chance to have a say in this year's wide-open presidential election. Our precinct caucuses are Minnesota's presidential primary: When you go to caucus, you can vote for your choice for our next president, just like primary voters in other states. (But unlike in other states, you must be present to vote -- there's no absentee voting.)

And your vote will matter. Minnesota is one of the largest of the 24 states holding presidential primaries or caucuses on "Super Tuesday." Your vote will go a long way toward deciding which Republican and which Democrat will be on the ballot in November.

In fact, because this date is so important -- and because it's so important that Minnesotans have a real voice in the race -- the DFL and Republican parties came together last year to move our precinct caucuses up to Super Tuesday. After all, it's only fair that Minnesotans get to weigh in on this critical choice, and we certainly didn't want other states calling the shots for us.

Both parties' precinct caucuses begin at 7 p.m. You can find your caucus location by going to www.dfl.org, www.mngop.com or caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us.

If you just want to vote for president, you can sign in, cast your ballot and be on your way. But if you have time, you can stick around, engage your neighbors about the issues that matter to you and get more involved.

This year, young people are turning out in record numbers to caucuses and primaries across the country. In Minnesota, you can vote in your precinct caucus if you will be 18 years old by Election Day, Nov. 4, 2008. You don't need to be registered to vote. But you can caucus only in the precinct where you live, and you can caucus with only one party.

If you don't identify as either a Republican or a Democrat, don't worry -- we welcome you to attend the caucus of the party or candidate that you currently prefer, without giving up your independence.

Set aside all our disagreements. In a year with the most up-for-grabs primary season in generations, and with so many other important offices on the ballot -- a U.S. Senate seat, all of our representatives in Congress and the entire Minnesota House of Representatives -- every Minnesotan who cares about the futures of our state and our nation should attend precinct caucuses.

Democracy can be hard work. But it's worth it. Help us keep Minnesota strong and make the change that you want to see by attending the precinct caucus of your choice.

Brian Melendez is chairman of the Minnesota DFL Party. Ron Carey is chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota.

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