Minnesota DFL, Republican parties to hold caucuses Tuesday

Even though Minnesota has switched to a presidential primary, caucuses will take place Tuesday throughout the state.

The DFL and Republican parties will hold meetings across the state to select delegates and debate issues.

The delegates that are selected will be tasked with endorsing candidates during district and state conventions.

"Everything that used to happen at caucuses still does happen at caucuses with the exception of the presidential preference ballots, which will now be administered by the Secretary of State," DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said at a rare joint news conference with Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan.

"We’re very excited to kick off caucus for 2020 to bring together our grassroots activists (and) engaged enthusiasts from around the state," Carnahan said.

In 2016, the two parties held presidential preference contests at the caucuses, and 319,000 Minnesotans showed up.

However, some caucus locations had long lines and ran out of ballots. For some the process had become too antiquated and cumbersome.

The headaches were part of the reason the state switched to a primary for the presidential race.

"When I pushed for a presidential primary in 2016, I made it very clear I hope the primary doesn’t cannibalize our turnout at the caucuses," Martin said.

However, it likely will result in lower turnout, just like any time the caucuses are held without a presidential contest.

In 2018, when there was no presidential race, only 45,000 Minnesotans showed up for caucuses.

To find your caucus location, click here.