Colorado Political Party Caucus
What Is A Caucus?
Colorado political parties hold precinct caucuses to begin the process of choosing candidates and platforms (policy positions) for the election year. Caucuses, which are open to the public, are held throughout Colorado. This year the Republican precinct caucus on February 7, 2012. The Democratic and American Constitutional Party caucuses are on March 6, 2012.
Where Are Caucuses Held?
Caucuses must be held in a public place or a private home within the precinct or very near to the precinct. Each party’s central committee is responsible for selecting the time and location of the caucus. A sign posted no later than January 26, 2012 will designate the Republican party caucus location. And a sign posted no later than February 23, 2012 will designate a caucus location for the Democratic Party & American Constitution Party. To determine your precinct number, visit the secretary of state’s website and access your voter information. You must contact the political party with which you are affiliated to obtain your caucus location.
Who Can Vote At A Caucus?
Requirements for voting in a precinct caucus include the following:
- The voter must be a resident of the precinct for 30 days.
- The last day to update their voter registration address for the Republican Party precinct caucuses is January 9, 2012.
- The voter must have been affiliated with the Republican party by December 7, 2011 for the February 7, 2012 caucus.
What Happens At A Caucus?
Those who attend precinct caucuses may elect delegates and alternates to represent the precinct at the party’s county or district conventions. Officers who will organize political activities within a precinct may also be elected.
What Are County/District Assemblies? State Conventions?
No later than March 31, 2012, parties will hold their county assemblies. These meetings designate candidates who will represent the party in the state primary election which will be held on June 26, 2012. The assemblies also elect delegates to the congressional district assemblies and the state assembly. Congressional district assemblies elect delegates who will attend national conventions, and they nominate candidates for Congress, the Colorado Legislature, the State Board of Education, the Board of Regents, and District Attorneys. The date for district assemblies is chosen by the chair person of each district committee. State conventions (or assemblies) must be held by April 14, 2012.
Where Can I Go For More Information?
Contact your county political party for more information about your local caucus.