Tonight is precinct caucus night in Minnesota. Political parties will be meeting, precinct by precinct — the smallest political subdivision. Neighbors will get together with like-minded neighbors to discuss issues, offer resolutions, consider candidates and elect delegates to represent them in upcoming political conventions.

Within a few months, their input, along with the input of precincts around the state, will give guidance to their parties and help select candidates who will represent them.

That’s the theory, at least. Precinct caucuses work best with a big turnout from the neighborhood, giving the party a true representation of the feelings of the people and what they want. All too often, however, people find other things to do on caucus night and the caucuses are sparsely attended.

It’s hard for a party to learn what the grassroots people are feeling when the feeling is apathy.

Caucuses give us a chance to have a say in what we will be voting on come November. If we don’t express a preference now, we shouldn’t be disappointed in the slate of candidates before us in November. Don’t be saying, “Who picked these guys?” when it should have been you.

If you care about the direction the state is going, care enough to attend a precinct caucus. You will be making your interests known and that makes a difference.