A Catholic’s Guide to Attending the Feb. 3 Precinct Caucuses

One of the most common questions staff from the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) receives is: “Does my voice really make a difference?” The answer is a resounding yes — and one of the best ways to make your voice heard is by attending the fast-approaching precinct caucuses.

At 7 p.m. Feb. 3 a relatively small number of Minnesotans will gather in gyms, libraries and church basements across the state to caucus for their respective political parties. They will help choose candidates, introduce caucus resolutions and shape party platforms. What many do not realize is that this simple one-to-two-hour event can influence the direction of the state for years to come, especially with the governor and all statewide offices up for election in 2026.

“Caucus night is where my true American political system education began,” said Amy Lemke, a Catholic from New Prague. “My husband signed me up to be a delegate for our small precinct and my understanding of freedom deeply grew from there.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is every person’s responsibility to promote the common good and take an active part in public life. It’s everyday Catholics like Lemke, a wife and mother of seven children, who provide an excellent witness of faithful citizenship.

Lemke plans to caucus again this year and is encouraging others to do the same. “Years later — appreciating my role in today’s society as a Catholic wife, mother, teacher and volunteer — I look forward to being a caucus leader again to encourage others’ political participation (and education).”

MCC has created materials at mncatholic.org/caucus to make the precinct caucus process as simple as possible. Attending requires only three steps:

1. Find your caucus location: Visit mncatholic.org/caucus, where you’ll be directed to the official finder for your precinct.

2. Bring resolutions that reflect Catholic social teaching: MCC has created a series of caucus resolutions such as opposing physician-assisted suicide and prohibiting online sports gambling. They can be found at mncatholic.org/caucus and printed out. Blank forms are available if you prefer to write your own resolutions.

3. Show up and bring a friend!: This is the most important part. The meeting is far less intimidating than most people imagine, and bringing a friend makes it even easier. Participation is simple and your presence truly matters.

As frustrating as politics can be today, the most Catholic response is not withdrawal, but rather, faithful engagement. As the saying goes, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Instead of lamenting the direction of our culture, we can step into the process as hopeful, faithful citizens and make a difference.