We're fresh off of a municipal election that used ranked-choice voting to create a nearly endless ballot that nobody could comprehend. And our statewide elections use what I consider a far superior model: an incomprehensible process that begins way the hell in February that nobody cares about. Candidates can't even officially file for another three months, and already we're taking the first steps to decide who gets elected. And since we're basically a one-party town, the DFL precinct caucuses are where the action is. So unless you want your next round of public officials chosen by a few dozen party activists, you better find your caucus now. Isn't democracy great? USA! USA!
The local senate district DFL page describes the precinct caucus, in straight, non-sarcastic typeface as
"...a way to meet your neighbors and talk about issues important to you. It’s also a gateway to getting involved in the political process; if you are interested in meeting your elected officials, learning how to make a difference in your community or perhaps exploring running for office, a precinct caucus is the place to start. People also attend precinct caucuses to support specific candidates or specific issues."Last year I wrote a tongue-in-cheek description of precinct caucuses, and although the particular statewide and county elections are different, the dynamic is the same. Instead of rehashing that,
