FAIRMONT — In each election year, Minnesota law mandates precinct caucuses that allow citizens to help develop the issue platform for each political party, endorse candidates, and build the grassroots volunteer base. Although each political party conducts its precinct caucuses somewhat differently, they both convene activities at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. Martin County residents who wish to caucus with the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) party can join friends and neighbors in the William Budd Room at Fairmont Area Elementary School, 714 Victoria St. in Fairmont. Registration begins at 6:30 pm.

Because of on-going challenges with Covid, the state DFL offered counties and precincts two options: in-person caucuses but with strict Covid protocols; or an alternative that was a combination of email, Zoom calls and on-line forms. They chose to try in-person but with these mandated protocols to guard health and safety of participants:

• Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test and

• Wear a well-fitted mask worn appropriately over the nose and mouth, even while speaking; and

• Socially distance to the extent possible.

As has always been the case, people who cannot participate in the caucuses but wish to be involved later in the process of endorsements and other party business can file paperwork to save themselves a spot. This has been a popular option for snowbirds who are gone at caucus time but return in spring. You can go to https://www.dfl.org/local-units/martin/. You will immediately see the email address for the Martin County party chair. Scroll down to resources, dfl party documents, digital and there you will find the caucus-non-attendee form that can be completed and emailed to Greg by Jan. 29. Another form you will find there is for party resolutions that you might want to submit for consideration. These links and any updates will also be on the Martin County DFL Facebook page.

The desire is for everyone to be able to participate in some way. If filling out forms in advance doesn’t work or if you can’t meet the Covid protocols, show up between 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Feb. 1, with a mask on, and you will be met in the hallway to fill out forms and do the governor’s preference poll. We will then get your paperwork to the right people. Hoping people participate in this important step in democracy.