In about three weeks, voters from across Iowa will be gathering for the First in the Nation Caucus. The Cass County Democratic Party Caucuses will be held on Monday, February 1st, for each of the county’s thirteen precincts. Democratic Party Chair Sherry Toelle shared the eligibility requirements for participating in the Democratic caucus.

Toelle says “The voter must be a registered Democrat. We will have voter registration forms available at each of the caucus sites so that people who have yet to register to vote or need to change their voter status can do so the night of the caucus. Reasons that they might have for changing their voter status include having legally changed their name, a change of address, or if they wish to change their party affiliation. Youth who will be 18 years old as of election day, November 8, 2016, may also participate in the caucus.”

Caucus sites will open at 6 PM and voters must have signed in by 7 PM or be in line by 7 PM in order to caucus. The doors to caucus sites will close at 7 PM. According to Toelle, “The purpose of the caucus is three-fold: 1. To elect Delegates and Alternates for viable Presidential candidates to the County Convention as well as committee members to that convention; 2. To discuss and adopt proposed resolutions to be included in the County Platform; 3. To elect Precinct Committee members to the Cass County Democratic Central Committee.”

People can also attend as observers but they would not be able to participate in the caucus activities. For more information on the caucus process, contact Toelle at 243-4861.