GOP, DFL to caucus on February 1

The next step toward the 2022 election will take place Tuesday, Feb. 1 at its most grassroots level.

It's caucus time.

Le Sueur and Rice County Republicans and DFLers will meet in separate locations to gear up for the election by passing resolutions, electing delegates to send to the local and state conventions and – most likely – talking about the 2022 race for the governor's office. The delegates sent to those conventions will then endorse candidates for State and National offices.

All of the caucuses are open to the public. All citizens eligible to vote in the general election on November 8 are able to attend. State law prohibits schools, universities, and local governments from holding any public events or meetings on that night in order to allow everyone the opportunity to attend.

DFL mandates

ecause of COVID-19 concerns, DFL has opted to hold in-person caucuses ONLY for those who are masked and can show proof of vaccination (either a vaccination card or via the state Docket app).

Those who are uncomfortable attending in-person meetings, or who have not been fully vaccinated may participate in their caucuses by using a Non-Attendee Form. To obtain a Non-Attendee Form request one from: lsc.dfl21@gmail.com or on dfl.org/caucus.

Completed forms must be returned to the same address (lsc.dfl21@gmail.com) by January 31 or dropped off to the chair of your unit or at your caucus site between 6:30 pm and the adjournment of business on February 1, 2022.

Here are details from the Minnesota Secretary of State website caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us and dfl.org/caucus.

Le Sueur County

Republican Party Montgomery City and Township Montgomery City Hall, Council Chambers, 201 Ash Avenue. Derrynane Township, Heidelberg, Lanesburgh Township New Prague Middle School, Commons Area, 721 Central Ave. N Kilkenny City and Township Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School, Lunch Room, 500 Paquin St. E.

Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Montgomery City and Township Montgomery Public Library, 104 Oak Ave. SE. Derrynane Township, Heidelberg, Lanesburgh Township New Prague Library, 400 Main St. E. Kilkenny City and Township Waterville Town Hall - 419 3rd St. S. The unit chair for the DFL for Le Sueur County is Greg Davis. He can be contacted at lsc.dfl21@gmail.com.

Rice County

Republican Party City of Lonsdale, Erin Township, Wheatland Township TCU - Lonsdale Elementary School, 1000 Idaho St SW

Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party City of Lonsdale, Erin Township, Wheatland Township Rice County will be using a contactless version of precinct caucuses. To participate you will need to fill out and submit a non-attendee form. Drop a paper form off from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on February 1, 2022, at Trondhjem Lutheran Church, 7525 Garfield Avenue. The unit chair is Shawn Groth. He can be contacted at shawn.groth@live.com.