What's a Caucus?
Caucus meetings are held in March every other year, and they determine which candidates will run for office in the general election in November. At caucus meetings, community members come together, discuss issues, and elect delegates to represent their neighborhood (called a precinct) in political conventions later that year. It is at these conventions that candidates for government offices (such as governor, president, etc.) are selected. Caucus meetings are an important part of the election process, and attending them is a great way for BYU students to make a difference as citizens in their community. Attending caucus meetings is also an important part of our duty as United States citizens and members of the Church. In 2016, it will also be the only way to participate in the presidential primary election.
Why should I want to go to one?
Since the founding of Brigham Young Academy 141 years ago, BYU students have used their education as an opportunity to influence the world for good. In the mission and aims statement, it states:
All instruction, programs, and services at BYU, including a wide variety of extracurricular experiences, should make their own contribution toward the balanced development of the total person. Such a broadly prepared individual will not only be capable of meeting personal challenge and change but will also bring strength to others in the tasks of home and family life, social relationships, civic duty, and service to mankind.
Later in that same statement, it reads:
We believe the earnest pursuit of this institutional mission can have a strong effect on the course of higher education and will greatly enlarge Brigham Young University's influence in a world we wish to improve.
To read the complete statement, click here.
As students at Brigham Young University, our education should motivate us to engage in our communities. As we do so, we influence the world around us for the better.
Attending caucus meetings is also an important part of good citizenship for Latter-day Saints. In 2012, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement:
[In March], political parties in Utah will hold precinct caucus meetings. Precinct caucuses are the most fundamental grassroots level of political involvement. They are best served by a broad representation of Utah citizens. Those who attend play a critical role in selecting candidates for public office.
We are concerned with the decreasing attendance at these caucus meetings in Utah in recent years. We therefore ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on these [evenings] so that members may attend a caucus meeting of their choice. The locations of these meetings can be found on the websites of the respective political parties.
Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties. We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings.
To read the complete article, click here.
In addition to being an important obligation for BYU students and Latter-day Saints, caucus meetings are a great way for students who care about public policy to get involved and make a difference. Students who are elected as state or county delegates will have the opportunity to help select candidates for election within their party and gain experience with the election process.