Now that SD50 has formed and we are about to have our first convention, here are the governing document (as PDF) which are being proposed for adoption.
Also, here are the documents which will be used to run the convention:
FAQ
1) What is a BPOU?
It is the “Basic Political Operating Unit”, which is a fancy term for Grassroots” organization. This organization is the one which actually supports the local candidates and their campaigns for office – State Senate, State House of Representatives and City Council, School Board, and other local candidates such as Mayor. The Senate District and the BPOU are one and the same, and are made up of the Delegates and Alternates who were elected at the Precinct Caucus, which happens every even numbered year. We often use the term “Senate District” because it is more easily understood by all.
2) What is the basis for the number of delegates from each Precinct?
The Basis for the number of delegates from each Precinct is the vote in that Precinct, for the last State election (Governor’s race) or National election (Presidential race). The allocation is based on a ratio selected by the Senate District’s Ex. Committee and is equal to either a 90:1, 60:1 or 30:1 ratio of the number of votes for that candidate is equal to one delegate for that Precinct.
3) Do I have to be present at the Precinct Caucus to be elected as a delegate or alternate to the Senate District?
No, a person who knows you, and that you would like to be a delegate or alternate can nominate you with your permission. You need not be present to be elected as a delegate to the Congressional District Convention or to the State Convention also. Those two elections are held at the first Senate District Convention of the even numbered year that also includes the Precinct Caucuses.
4) What are the duties of the Precinct Chairs at the Senate District Convention?
The Precinct Chair will keep a list of their elected delegates and alternates, and when they present themselves to be seated with their fellow delegates, the Chair will make not that they are present, and keep a running tally of the number of seated delegates. After the Final Credentials Report, the Chair will find the Alternates to fill in the place of any Delegates who are not present at the Convention. When a Delegate leaves their seated place in the delegation, the Chair will place an Alternate in their seat until they return to the floor.
5) What is expected of the Precinct Chair during the two years of their term?
Precinct Chairs are expected to assist the Executive Committee with the goals of the Senate District; to elect Republican candidates to office from the SD50. This means creating a group of people who are willing to help within the Precinct to contact neighbors, do literature dropping at homes, do phone calling for voter identification and promotion of candidates as well as fund raising, to assist in finding people who are willing to have candidate’s signs in their yard, and to promote the Republican platform by writing letters to the editor, speaking up at Town Hall meetings, encouraging activism and participation in the activities and social events that the Senate District has in support of the candidates and issues that support the values of the Platform.
6) What are the duties of the Delegates and Alternates to the Senate District?
They should do many of the same supportive things that are required of the Precinct Chairs, and also attend such conventions that are called to elect representatives to the Congressional District, State Central Committee, and the State Convention, as well as other City Conventions as required in the years of the City Council, Mayor and School Board elections. They should support the Senate District with their time and talents as well as their financial donations to the organization.
Upcoming Convention Call to 50B Delegates and Alternates
Dear Delegates and Alternates:
We now have a new Senate District number – in case you haven’t looked at the recent redistricting maps. We are now Senate District 50, and you are in House District 50B. Portions of HD50A are in Congressional District 5 and portions are in Congressional District 3. All of HD50B is in Congressional District 3 only.
When you receive your “call” or notice of the upcoming Convention, please respond the same day or as soon as you are able to pay your registration fee. WE would like to receive them by next Wednesday at the LATEST!! Be certain to fill out the form, including your name, precinct number and your selection of lunch choices. IF you choose the dinner salad, there will be various salad dressing packets offered along with the salad. You do NOT select the choices of potato salad or cole slaw if you are choosing the dinner salad. Please enclose your check with this lower portion of the call. This will be your registration notice.
If you are interested in being considered for delegate or alternate for either Congressional District Convention or for the State Convention, you MUST NOTIFY either of the Interim Chairpersons regarding that desire, and indicate which delegation you wish to be included in for nomination. You may do this either by phone to me (Nancy 952-884-9147, leave a message) or by email. There will NOT be nominations from the floor for these delegate/alternate positions. Please read your call thoroughly!!
Thank you for your interest in promoting and supporting the Republican platform values and ideals and our fine Republican candidates for office. We have an important task this fall, the most significant is getting out the vote. Participation in voting in elections is a KEY to victory!!
See you at the Convention!!
Warm regards,
Nancy Losier, Interim Co-Chair
Senate District 50
Republican Party of MN
UPDATE: here is a PDF of the call - 201203-SD50ConventionCall
Senate District 50 Boundaries Defined 2012/02/21
Today the Minnesota Supreme Court Special Redistricting Panel released its Legislative districting plan.
Here is a map of our new Senate District 50:
Note that the precinct lines are subject to change by the city.
FAQ – from old SD40 2010
Commonly Asked Questions
- What are the precinct caucuses?
- Who can attend the precinct caucuses?
- When are the precinct caucuses?
- Where are the precinct caucuses?
- What happens at the precinct caucuses?
- How do I become a delegate, alternate, or precinct officer?
- What are the duties of delegates and alternates?
- What are the duties of precinct officers?
- How many delegates and alternates does each precinct get?
What are the precinct caucuses?
Precinct caucuses are public meetings of eligible voters from each precinct. Since voters from the same precinct generally cast their ballots at the same polling place, the precinct caucuses are essentially meetings of neighbors.
Each of Minnesota’s major political parties (Republican, DFL, and Independence) have separate caucuses. The caucuses are the beginning of the process the parties use for choosing the candidates and issues they will support in the upcoming elections.
Who can attend the precinct caucuses?
Anyone can attend a precinct caucus to observe. You can participate and vote in a party’s caucus if you:
- Will be eligible to vote on the general election day for that year;
- Reside in the precinct on caucus day;
- Agree with the party’s principles; and
- Have not participated in another party’s precinct caucus.
Minnesota Statutes section 202A.19 permits you to take time off from work without pay to attend your caucus if you give your employer written notice at least 10 days in advance.
State universities, community colleges, and public schools cannot hold classes or events after 6:00 pm on the evening of the precinct caucuses.
State agencies, school boards, county boards, township boards, city councils, and all other political subdivisions cannot conduct meetings after 6:00 pm on caucus night.
When are the precinct caucuses?
Every two years on the first Tuesday of February at 7:00 pm. State law mandates that precinct caucuses remain open for at least one hour.
Where are the precinct caucuses?
The parties are required by statute to tell the county auditors’ offices several weeks in advance where their precinct caucuses will be held.
What happens at the precinct caucuses?
I. Election of Delegates and Alternates
At the caucuses, you’ll have the opportunity to elect delegates and alternates who will go to party endorsement conventions held later in the spring and summer.
The Senate District 40 Republicans convention is usually held a few weeks after the caucuses. Bloomington delegates and alternates are also called to the Hennepin County convention.
The Senate District convention elects delegates and alternates to the U.S. Congressional District and State conventions. Minnesota House District 40A delegates and alternates from Burnsville and Savage participate in the 2nd Congressional District convention, but this is subject to redistricting. House District 40B delegates and alternates participate in the 3rd Congressional District convention, also subject to redistricting.
II. Election of Local Party Leadership
The political parties elect their precinct officers at the caucuses. In Senate District 40, the top two officers become members of the Senate District 40 Republican Committee, popularly known as the Full Committee. These two officers may be designated to be a Chair and Vice-Chair, a pair of Co-Chairs, a Chair and a Secretary, or whatever the individual precinct caucus decides. Click here for a summary of the Senate District 40 Republicans organization, or see the Bylaws for specific details.
III. Discussion of Issues