Precinct Caucuses
What to Know
2026 MINNESOTA PRECINCT CAUCUSES
Last updated 11-11-2025
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League of Women Voters of Minnesota
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
It does not support or oppose political parties or candidates.
We do, however, educate the public on how to be part of the political process and civic engagement.
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What is a precinct caucus?
Precinct caucuses are local meetings by political parties. They are not run by the government, but by the parties and are considered party activities.
The caucus is the first in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates, select delegates, and set goals and values (called party platforms).
Each political party runs their caucus meetings differently. Check directly with a political party to answer specific questions about how they are run.
When and where are precinct caucuses?
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Caucuses begin at 7 p.m.
You can find precinct caucus locations by using the Precinct Finder tool at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder.
You can also contact a political party directly to ask for your precinct caucus location.
What are the major political parties in Minnesota?
The major political parties of Minnesota in alphabetical order are:
“Major political party” is defined by Minnesota Statute 200.02, subdivision 7.
What are the minor political parties in Minnesota?
The minor political parties of Minnesota in alphabetical order are:
“Minor political party” is defined by Minnesota Statute 200.02, subdivision 23.
Major Parties vs. Minor Parties
Major parties are required to follow certain rules regarding precinct caucuses that are set by law.
However, there are very few rules set by the law. Most caucus activity is dictated by the party’s own rules.
Minor parties might not have precinct caucuses at all.
Who may participate?
Anyone may attend to observe.
To participate in the caucus, you must be eligible to vote in the November election and live in the precinct.
This means that people who are 17 on caucus night, but will turn 18 before the November election, may participate in the precinct caucuses.
Do I need to be a registered member of the party?
No. Minnesota does not have party registration.
However, to participate, you must agree with the principles of the party as stated in the party's constitution.
Ask yourself: Do you believe in the basic principles of the party?
If yes, then you can participate in that party’s caucus!
What happens at a precinct caucus?
Participants choose volunteer leaders who will organize political activities in the precinct. This could include maintaining contact lists, holding political meetings, and helping with campaign efforts.
What else happens at a precinct caucus?
Participants discuss issues and ideas. Individuals can present an issue or idea for the party to support, called a resolution. If they convince other attendees to support their resolution, it will be taken to the next political convention. Eventually, that resolution could become part of the official party platform.
What else happens at a precinct caucus?
Participants choose delegates who will endorse candidates at future conventions. At future conventions, party delegates will endorse state and federal candidates, such as Governor and Lieutenant Governor or U.S. Congress.
Political parties have different ways of choosing delegates at the precinct level caucus -- contact your party for more information.
What doesn’t happen at a precinct caucus?
Caucus participants no longer cast a ballot for or caucus for presidential nominations.
Instead, Minnesota now has a presidential nominating primary. The presidential nominating primary is the process by which voters cast a ballot for the candidate the voters believe should receive a national party’s nomination for president.
Presidential nominating primaries only happen every four years in the years when there is a presidential election (e.g., 2020, 2024, 2028, etc.).
What is a resolution?
Party platforms are made up of party positions on a wide range of issues.
Resolutions are position statements that can be adopted at the precinct level and advanced to become party positions at the state and national level.
Resolutions must be presented in writing.
How do I present a resolution?
Generally, resolutions have the following pieces:
Important! Each party may have different format requirements for proposing resolutions, including specific forms that must be filled out. Contact your party for details.
An example of a resolution
What if I work or have school on caucus night?
You have the right to take time off work to be at a precinct caucus. You must give your employer ten days’ written notice.
Public universities, community colleges, and public schools cannot hold classes or events after 6:00 p.m. on the evening of precinct caucuses.
What if I have accessibility needs?
Major political parties must attempt to provide you an interpreter by request, if you are deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing.
If you are visually impaired, you also have the right to get written caucus materials ahead of time, by request.
What are the next steps after precinct caucuses?
Precinct Caucus - elect delegates & local party officers; adopt resolution
Precinct Caucus – elect Unit delegates and local leadership; adopt resolutions that are considered at conventions
Basic Political Organizing Unit Convention – usually a senate or house district or county; endorse candidates for local elected office; elect unit officers; elect state/congressional delegates
Congressional District Convention – endorse U.S. House candidate; elect district officers; elect national delegates
State Convention – endorse candidates for statewide offices and U.S. Senate; elect party officers; adopt state party platform
National Convention – endorse presidential nominee; elect national party officers; adopt national party platform
Remember: Caucuses by the Parties
Unlike elections, which are run by local and state government election officials, precinct caucuses are run by political parties.
Every aspect of the precinct caucus, including site location, meeting agenda, how well the meeting is run, etc., is the responsibility of the party and its leaders.
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about your precinct caucus, please contact your party. Government officials likely cannot help you.
Contact Info for Major Parties
Contact Info for Minor Parties
Questions: Contact Us! �League of Women Voters of Minnesota