Douglas County is divided geographically into 147 precincts and has more than 40,000 registered Democrats. In Colorado all Democrats are called once every two years to attend their Precinct Caucus. This is not only a civic duty, but is responsible for our vibrant political culture and pivotal role in the selection of the next US Senator from Colorado.

» Why we have a caucus

Here's how to do it

Step 1. Check your voter registration
Visit the Colorado Secretary of State's web site, enter your name, zip code, and birthdate. Under the "Registration Information" heading, the system will display your party affiliation, which must be "Democratic." Your county must be "Douglas." Further down the page, under the "District Information" heading, find your precinct on row 19. All precincts in Douglas County are shown as 10-digit numbers starting with "6". Write down the last three digits of your precinct number, and ignore the rest. If you registered recently, see Rule 2 for eligibility.

Step 2. Determine your caucus location
Please visit our Caucus locator page to find your caucus using the 3-digit precinct number.

Step 3. Review the agenda and prepare
The information below will help you prepare for the caucus.

Step 4. We'll see you there!
Please plan to arrive by 6:40pm to allow time for parking and check-in. The meeting will begin promptly at 7pm.

Agenda

1. Check-in
Find your correct precinct table, locate your name on the official voter list, and sign in.

2. Welcome and rules
The caucus facilitator will introduce you to the process and read the rules for the meeting.

3. Election of Caucus Chair and Secretary for each precinct
Each precinct will elect a Chair and Secretary for the evening, to run the meeting and complete the paperwork.

4. Nomination of candidate for United States Senator
Each precinct takes a vote for the Democratic candidate for US Senator. Based on the vote, the caucus Secretary at each table will complete a short worksheet to determine the number of delegates to elect for each candidate, to the County Assembly. The results of this vote will be reported immediately to Party officials and the media.

» Campaign web sites: Michael Bennet • Andrew Romanoff

5. Election of Delegates to the County Assembly
Each precinct elects 2 to 5 delegates to represent it at the County Assembly, which is Saturday, April 10, 2010, 9am-1pm, at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch. The County Assembly is where the party nominates candidates for County and State elective offices. It is also the first step in nominating statewide and Federal candidates.

6. Election of Precinct Committee People
Each precinct elects 2 Precinct Committee People (PCPs), to serve a two-year term on the County Central Committee, which is the Board of Directors for the County Party. As a PCP you are responsible for keeping in touch with the friendly Democrats in your precinct, attending quarterly Central Committee meetings as a voting member, and helping the Party with its get-out-the-vote effort before the election in November of even-numbered years. The voluntary commitment is an average of 5-8 hours per month. No experience of any sort is necessary; we supply training. The Douglas County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer organization, and all of us have jobs, families, and other responsibilities. So we are very flexible, understanding, and respectful of your other commitments. We need all the help we can get!

7. Sign-up of Election Judges
The Douglas County Clerk and Recorder needs 200-300 Election Judges from each party to conduct and supervise the election process. This is our only way of making sure the votes are counted accurately. No experience is necessary. The Clerk's Office will provide all necessary training and a small payment for your time.

8. Development of the Party Platform
Did you ever wonder where the Party Platform comes from? You write it! Each precinct will propose and vote on resolutions for inclusion in the Party Platform. A committee will combine the results from all precincts, and propose a county platform to be finalized and voted upon at the April 10 County Assembly.

What to bring or prepare

Yourself! You must vote in person. You cannot vote by proxy, nor can you be elected as a delegate in absentia. Also bring your spouse, voting-age children, parents, and all your Democratic neighbors.

Decide whom you would like to support for US Senator.

» Campaign web sites: Michael Bennet • Andrew Romanoff

Decide whether you would like to be a Delegate and/or Precinct Committee Person and/or Election Judge. (See more information above.)

Prepare any platform planks that you want to introduce. It's easiest if you type up a short paragraph for each.

A check (optional) if you would like to make a donation to your local party. We run entirely from donations by individuals. We receive no funding from the state or national parties or any other organizations for our year-long outreach programs, our get-out-the-vote program, nor for the expenses of this caucus.

A check (optional) for tickets if you would like to attend the 6th Annual Clinton Carter Dinner, April 24, 6-10pm, at the Wildlife Experience in Parker.