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A precinct caucus, commonly called a caucus, represents perhaps the purest expression of grassroots politics in the American political system. Unlike a voting precinct (where people quietly cast ballots on Election Day), a caucus is an active, face-to-face meeting of neighbors from the same small geographic location (a precinct) and the same political party who come together to deliberate, debate, organize, and make decisions about their party.
How Often Does It Happen?
The caucus occurs every even numbered election year on one day in early March and lasts 1-2 hours but usually less time in smaller areas like Routt County.
How Can You Participate?
Simple requirements to participate in the caucus are: 1) be a registered voter in Colorado; 2) be affiliated with the Republican Party 22 days before the caucus; 3) be a resident of the precinct.
If you are not registered to vote in Colorado, you can do that here.
To check your voter registration, you can do that here.
To determine your precinct, look at the results page on your voter registration check. You should see a tab that says, ‘County & District Information.’ Click that tab, and then click the link under ‘District Information’ that says, ‘What does this number mean?’ for an explanation of how to determine your precinct.
What Exactly Happens at the Meeting?
Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs — read more about them here) who were elected at the last caucus or appointed in the interim, open the meeting, give an overview of what will happen at the meeting and then call for nominations and a vote on the new PCPs, who once elected will then conduct the remainder of the meeting. Participants of the meeting wil also elect delegates (including alternate delegates) to the County Assembly, sign up election judges, and pass resolutions — ideas contributed to the party’s policy positions on specific issues. Anyone participating in the caucus can submit resolutions for consideration at the meeting. For more information on resolutions, please see the wonderful explanation of resolutions and how to craft them from the Archuleta County Republicans.