On Tuesday, February 27th, Duluth residents gathered at DFL and GOP caucuses to meet local candidates, volunteer, but also learn about local politics. Members of both parties met at designated caucus locations to decide on policies their party should stand for, but also elect on delegates for conventions.

The Minnesotan Republican Party met at the Lincoln Park Middle School. Senate District 8 Deputy Chair, Tom Sullivan, said if people want to see local change, it starts with the caucus.

“Anybody that wants to be a candidate for future office. The caucus is the place where you should start. People can come here, introduce themselves, meet other people,” Sullivan said. “If they want to proceed, be a candidate for elected office. That’s where it starts.”

Meanwhile Duluth residents also gathered at the DFL Caucus in West Duluth at Denfeld High School, Pete Johnson, the candidate for Minnesota House of Representative District 8A said caucuses helps with hearing residents concerns.

“Candidates at any level need help and they need to talk to neighbors. They need to have people talking on their behalf.” Johnson said. “If you truly care about something and want to make a difference, this is your chance to get involved. Actually go out there and start having those conversations.”

Even though you need to be 18 years old to vote on issues with caucuses, people as young as 16 years old can help out with volunteering efforts. Also for more information on finding your local caucus location you can read more here. Although for other stories about Minnesota Politics you can read more here.