To the editor:

Monday’s editorial regarding Lyon County DFL’s contactless caucus on Feb. 1 asks a good question: will it work?

Although this is a new format, we are confident it is the right choice given current circumstances. COVID-19 infection rates are rising rapidly. We opted to change how we conduct this event to protect the health of participants and our communities and to prevent additional strain on our medical providers.

Rather than meet in person, caucus participants can fill out the necessary forms (found at dfl.org/caucus) to become a delegate for local conventions and propose resolutions for the DFL Party Platform. This can be done digitally and submitted at your convenience to lyoncountymndfl@gmail.com

Besides being a safe and convenient option, a contactless caucus also provides increased accessibility. If you are ill or in quarantine, you can still participate. If finding transportation or finding the time to attend is difficult for you, you can still participate. If crowds make you nervous or you are hesitant to attend because you wouldn’t know what to do, a contactless caucus makes it much easier for you to participate.

If you encounter difficulties in this process, you can stop by one of the two original DFL caucus locations (Adult Community Center in Marshall or Twin Circles Apartments in Tracy) on caucus night to complete your forms. A staffer can assist you and accept your completed forms.

Whichever option you choose, I encourage you to participate in democracy at its most grassroots level. The caucus is open to any Minnesotan who identifies with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and will be eligible to vote by Election Day.

Anita Gaul

Marshall

— Anita Gaul is the chair for the Lyon County DFL