My Point of View by Brian Hensley

On Tuesday evening, March 1, voters from around the state will gather to vote for their preference for the Republican Party’s presidential candidate.

As the chairman of the Freeborn County Republican Party, I want to invite you to help determine who the Republican candidate will be.  This is a unique year where Minnesota’s voice will be heard around the country.  Your vote will determine who the nominee will be.

On March 1, Freeborn County Republican voters will all gather at Southwest Middle School in Albert Lea to hold our caucus.

Precinct caucuses are meetings run by Minnesota’s political parties. They are the first in a series of meetings where parties endorse candidates and set goals and values (called the party platform).

In 2016, a major part of precinct caucuses will be to vote for the person you want your political party to support for president in the presidential preference ballot. To participate, you must be eligible to vote in the fall election and live in the precinct. You must also generally agree with the principals of the political party hosting the caucus.

Here is what to expect on caucus eve:

We will begin checking voters and observers into their precinct room starting at 5:30 p.m. Business of the caucus will begin at 7 p.m. Ballots may be received as late as 8 p.m. It will help the process run smoothly if you know which precinct or ward you reside in prior to arriving.  Helpers will guide you if you are unable to find this information before you arrive.

Beginning at 5:45 p.m. an optional informational meeting will be held in the gym with candidates and supporters being given an opportunity to share information about themselves or their preferred candidates.  Voters are welcome to attend after signing into their precinct or may remain in their precinct room. At promptly 7 p.m. the business of the caucus will begin with a call to order, pledge, introduction of the conveyers and helpers in the room. After election of permanent chair, permanent secretary, and appointment of tellers, ballots will be distributed. Registration and voting will remain open until 8 p.m. After ballots are distributed, attendees may choose to leave or stay to elect local precinct officers and delegates, as well as discuss any proposed resolutions.

If you would be interested in volunteering, have questions or would like more information, please email me at brian.hensley@outlook.com

Please mark on your calendar March 1, and be in your precinct room early to allow for a smooth sign-in process.  Business of the caucus will begin by 7 p.m. at Southwest Middle School in Albert Lea.  Please plan on joining us to select our delegates and our preference for the Republican presidential candidate!

 

Brian Hensley is chairman of the Freeborn County Republican Party and local financial adviser with Intego Financial Group. Brian also serves on the city of Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. All opinions are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the organizations he is associated with.