John,

This is a pivotal moment for our democracy in Minnesota and across the country. At a time when trust in our institutions is being tested and political polarization is deepening, how we run our elections matters more than ever. Ranked Choice Voting offers a proven way to reduce division, elevate voter choice, and ensure our leaders are elected with broad support. As caucuses approach, supporters like you have a unique opportunity to shape the direction of our democracy—and to make RCV part of the conversation where it matters most.

Caucuses are local gatherings with your neighbors and are the first step in your party endorsement and platform setting process. Whether you are DFL, Republican, or independent, you can help advance ranked choice voting in our state by educating fellow caucus goers about RCV, submitting an RCV resolution, becoming a delegate to your district and state conventions, and supporting pro-RCV candidates!

Note: You do NOT have to be a registered member of a party to caucus. You just have to in general agree with the party’s platform and not be a supporter of any other parties.

What: Party caucuses: neighborhoods meetings to endorse candidates and set party platform

When: February 3 at 7:00pm

Where: Use the Caucus Finder Tool to find your caucus site for the DFL and Republican parties

The next step in advancing RCV statewide is to expand its use at the local level.  Many communities in Minnesota would like to try ranked choice voting but can’t. Current law allows only charter cities with odd-year elections—less than one percent of local jurisdictions in Minnesota—to choose RCV for their local elections. This year, we are continuing to push for passage of the RCV Local Options bill which would give all cities, school districts, and counties the ability to adopt RCV for their elections if they choose. 

Here’s how you can help advance RCV at your precinct caucus: 

1. Submit a resolution in favor of ranked choice voting. While the DFL has RCV (for all state and local elections)  as part of its ongoing party platform, we want to ensure the RCV local option, allowing all localities the ability to adopt RCV, is included as a DFL Action Agenda item.
   1. You can download a draft resolution HERE.
   2. If you’re caucusing with the GOP or another party that does not have RCV in its party platform, you can download that draft resolution HERE. 
2. Sign up to become a delegate to your senate district convention this spring. From there, you can vie to become a delegate to the state convention in June. This is a very important step. We need RCV advocates to continue all the way through the process and make RCV a priority issue this election session! 
3. Find out the position of your state house district candidates on ranked choice voting and let them know that RCV is an important issue for you.
4. Support pro-RCV candidates in the endorsement process. Our opportunity to elect pro-RCV democracy champions in November starts at caucuses on February 3. 

Can we count on you to be there?

Don’t worry if you’ve never caucused before. We’ll be sure you have everything you need and are ready to go! Read more below (including on our upcoming caucus training) or go to fairvotemn.org/caucus to print your resolution, look up your caucus location, and find out other details about the caucus process.

Caucus Details:

Caucuses are the first step in helping to elect pro-RCV candidates. This year, all state House representatives are up for election, and we need to continue to work for a pro-RCV majority. 

DFL caucuses: If you’re caucusing with the DFL, you can find information about the caucus process HERE.

Republican caucuses: If you’re caucusing with the Republican Party, you can find information about the caucus process HERE.

Minor party caucuses: If you are a member of an independent or other minor party, contact them directly about their caucus process. You can find contact information on the Secretary of State’s website.

RCV Caucus Leadership Training

FairVote Minnesota will be holding a caucus training at 6pm on Monday, January 27. While training is in no way necessary to attend caucuses or follow along on caucus night, it will help prepare you to take a leadership role to advocate for RCV and support your favorite pro-RCV candidates. We’ll dive into the nitty gritty of the caucus and convention process and how you can maximize the power you and your neighbors have to set priorities for Minnesota’s political parties.

What: SK Coffee, 550 Vandalia St., St Paul

When: January 26 at 6:00pm

Where: Use the Caucus Finder Tool starting January 14 to find your caucus site for the DFL and Republican parties

Thank you for engaging in this very important step to help advance RCV in Minnesota. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead! 

Your FairVote MN team

FairVote Minnesota
550 Vandalia Street, Suite 210
Saint Paul, MN 55114
United States 

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