Caucus: The First Step in Making a Difference

Last month, I communicated that 2018 is a pivotal year for Colorado’s future. It all begins next month at the precinct caucuses on Tuesday, March 6th at 7 PM. Every two years, the major parties in Colorado (Democrat and Republican) hold precinct caucuses where neighbors get together for an evening to elect delegates to represent them. These delegates will cast votes that will determine who gets first billing on the primary ballot in June.

There are two ways for a candidate to get on the primary ballot. One is through the caucus process. The other way is through gathering enough signatures to petition onto the ballot. The petition process favors those who have large amounts of money, because in order to get the number of signatures they need in the time allocated, they need to hire people to do it. The caucus favors what is called the “grassroots” or the hardworking people. It requires the candidate to reach out to all the delegates and convince them they are the best candidate.

For example, this year there are currently 12 candidates running for Governor in the Republican party. Three have indicated they will be petitioning onto the ballot. The rest will go through the caucus process. To qualify for the primary ballot, a candidate must get at least 30% of the vote at the GOP State Convention. The 6,000 or so delegates at the convention will determine which of those remaining will make it on the ballot and who will get top billing on the primary ballot. The Democrat field of candidates and process is similar.

The number of delegates that determine the candidates for the Colorado House or Senate are even smaller because those districts are not statewide. I hope you can see that one person in the caucus system can make a great difference. I am hoping that person will be you!

If you came from a state that did not have a caucus system like I did, don’t let it intimidate you. The caucus is our best hope of getting candidates elected that hold to our Christian worldview and to the founder’s values. In states where there is only a primary, party bosses determine who gets on the ballot – not so in Colorado if we get involved in the caucus. Imagine what difference it would make if every delegate at every assembly were a homeschooler.

So much more could be said. Pray about it. It’s easy and only requires an evening and possibly a Saturday or two! Please contact me for more information (carolyn@chec.org).

Parental Rights Bills Update:

Take a look at my last blog for information on HB18-1006 and stay posted for more information on the latest version of the age of consent bill HB18-1177.

About the Author: Carolyn Martin

Carolyn Martin serves as CHEC’s Homeschool Legislative Liaison, working for you and other liberty-loving families to protect homeschool freedom, parental rights, and religious liberty at the state capitol. Subscribe to the CHEC blog for Carolyn’s regular updates here, learn more about legal issues in Colorado here, and donate to support Homeschool Freedom here. Contact Carolyn directly at carolyn@chec.org.