Voters encouraged to attend March 1 caucuses

To the Editor:
It would be hard to miss all the energy and interest that has been generated by the nomination process in the Republican field of candidates this election cycle. I am pleased that there is such an abundance of well-qualified choices for voters, but I wonder how many people know how the process works in a caucus state like Minnesota as opposed to the process in a primary state.
Do you know how you can participate and vote in a caucus state?
Unlike a primary, where residents cast their ballots at a polling place, Minnesota is one of only 10 states that has a caucus system where like-minded citizens gather with their neighbors at a local meeting place to discuss the candidates and try to persuade their neighbors to vote for the candidate they think is the best.  
In addition to voting for a presidential candidate, we will discuss issues and vote on resolutions that may become part of the Republican Party platform. We will also elect delegates to the upcoming county convention. The entire caucus takes about two hours, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Who can participate and vote in the caucuses? Minnesota state statute 202A.16 gives us the guidelines. First, you must be eligible to vote in the next general election. In addition, the statute says: “Only those persons who are in agreement with the principles of the party as stated in the party’s constitution, and who either voted for or affiliated with the party at the last state general election or intend to vote or affiliate with the party at the next state general election, may vote at the precinct caucus.” You cannot participate at more than one party’s caucus in any one year.  
I personally like the caucus system because I believe the people who attend are some of the most informed and engaged voters. We learn a lot from each other through our discussions of issues and candidates.  
If you identify with Republican Party principles and intend to vote Republican this coming November, I would personally like to invite you to attend the Minnesota caucuses on Tuesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. You can go to www.MNGOP.com to read the party platform for more information about Republican Party principles.
I want to stress, this will be your only opportunity to vote for a presidential candidate who will become our party’s nominee.
Here is a list of the Sibley County caucus locations:
Henderson City Hall, 600 Main St., Henderson, hosting the city of Henderson and the townships of Henderson, Kelso, Jessenland and Faxon.
Sibley County Courthouse Annex basement, 400 Court Ave., Gaylord, hosting the cities of Gaylord and New Auburn, and the  townships of New Auburn, Sibley and Dryden.
GFW High School Choir Room, North Cottonwood St., Winthrop, hosting the city of Winthrop and the townships of Bismarck, Cornish, Transit and Alfsborg.
Gibbon Elementary School Cafeteria, 323 E 11th St., Gibbon, hosting the city of Gibbon and the townships of Moltke, Severance and Grafton.
Sibley East High School Choir Room, 202 Third Ave. NW, Arlington, hosting the cities of Arlington and Green Isle and the townships of Arlington, Green Isle and Washington Lake.
For more information you can call me at 320-864-3911.
Emily Gruenhagen
Chairwoman
Sibley County Republicans