What is a Caucus?

(image courtesy of www.remote-dba.net)

The upcoming Caucus meetings are an event that is not totally understood by all.  In our local area, we are in H102.  The following information comes from Bill Barnes at Health Policy Network.

WHAT IS A CAUCUS?

A political caucus is a meeting of members of a political party to choose delegates from individual precincts. Those who attend local caucuses Tuesday night in Utah will elect delegates from among their individual precincts (neighborhoods). The delegates then vote at county and state conventions in April and May to narrow multi-candidate races and decide who will appear on the primary and/or final ballot.

WHO CAN CAUCUS?

For Republicans , any voter who is unaffiliated or registered as a Republican can participate in a caucus. However, only registered Republicans can be elected as delegates. Affiliation sign-up forms will be available at caucus locations.

For Democrats, the field is wide open as long as the person turns 18 and can register to vote by November's general election. Registered Democrats, unaffiliated voters, even registered Republicans can vote for and be elected as delegates.

Remember, neighborhood political caucuses are next Tuesday night (3/23). Republican caucuses are at 7:00, Democratic caucuses are that same night, but time differs by County, so check with your county, or contact the State Democratic Party offices for details (801-328-1212). Please plan to attend!

Some people have asked about "3rd party" caucuses. I have learned that the Constitution Party is also caucusing on the 23rd. Information about their caucuses is at http://www.utah-constitution-party.org/ . I have not been able to find information on any other parties.

The simplest question I have been asked is, "Do you just show up?" The answer is emphatically, YES! Find the location and time of your precinct caucus, then just show up. Even if several precincts have been grouped together, delegates are elected by individual precincts - don't let the appearance of a crowd make you nervous.

It's easy, and it's fun. Plan to attend! AND, if you really want to have some impact, have a friend nominate you, and run to be a delegate.

Stand as a Witness.......

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a letter early in March to be read in all Utah congregations, which encouraged Latter-day Saints to attend their local precinct caucus meetings:

“On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, political parties in Utah will hold precinct caucus meetings. Precinct caucuses are the most fundamental grassroots level of political involvement. They are best served by a broad representation of Utah citizens. Those who attend play a critical role in selecting candidates.

“We ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on that Tuesday evening so that members may attend a caucus meeting. The location of these meetings can be found on the Web sites of the respective political parties.

“Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of various political parties. We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings.“

 

The Church does:

Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.

Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.

 

Protecting Freedom.......

We live in an ever-changing world. Some embrace the change and some are fearful of it. But, the prophets and the scriptures are constant. I was sent the following excerpt from President Ezra Taft Benson, recorded some years ago as a BYU Devotional speaker. However, to me, the message is as timely as if it was delivered to the saints today. Consider the words he speaks.

Below are the phone numbers of our elected officials in this area. Please resolve to take the time to contact them and let them know your opinions. Resolve to take the time to make your voice known.

Here is the contact information for:

Senator Orrin Hatch 202-224-5251 (http://hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Offices.Contact)

Senator Bob Bennett 202-224-5444 (http://bennett.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email)

Representative Jim Matheson 202-225-3011 (http://matheson.house.gov/contact.shtml)

Utah Senator Howard Stephenson 801-576-1022 (howard@utahtaxpayers.org)

Utah Representative John Dougall 801-492-1365 (jdougall@utah.gov)