To the editor:

I remember the first time I attended a local precinct caucus. Although I tried to hide it, I was nervous and scared. What exactly would I have to do? What if I messed up and did something wrong? Would I know anybody?

It turns out that attending a caucus was not scary at all. People welcomed me and showed me what to do. I recognized many friends and neighbors from around town. I got to talk about politics for an entire evening and participate in democracy at its most basic, local level.

Your opportunity to participate in a precinct caucus is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party is hosting two caucus sites in Lyon County: at the Community Room in the Twin Circles Apartments in Tracy and the Adult Community Center in Marshall. To determine which site you should attend, go to the DFL Caucus Finder: https://caucus.dfl.org/

What happens at the precinct caucus? DFL members gather to learn about this year’s candidates, debate resolutions for the Party Platform, and select delegates for the upcoming conventions. What does not happen at the precinct caucus? You do not vote for a presidential candidate at the caucus. That happens at the presidential primary, which occurs one week later, on Tuesday, March 3.

At the DFL caucus, people will greet you, show you where to go, and help guide you through the process. Written materials will be available in English, Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Attending the caucus will not be scary or intimidating, but a positive experience in grassroots democracy. If you have any questions or need more information, contact the Lyon County DFL at lyoncountymndfl@gmail.com

Anita Gaul

Marshall

— Anita Gaul is the chair of the Lyon County DFL party