Nebraska Presidential Caucus Date Set

As you may know by now, the Nebraska Democratic Presidential Caucus will take place all across the state of Nebraska on Saturday, April 14, 2012. As the date approaches, we will notify you of the exact time and location of the caucus(es) in Sioux County. The first week in April, we will mail postcards, place ads on the radio and Town Cryer, and place notices in the local news papers.

This year’s Sioux County Caucus will have a special twist. Enclosed you will find a free raffle ticket set. Bring these tickets with you to the caucus for your chance to win one of four prizes: $100.00, $50.00 or one of two chances at $25.00. To be eligible you must have participated in the caucus and therefore be present to win.

WHAT IS A CAUCUS? A caucus is merely a meeting of members of a political party. The purpose of the caucus is to bring people together to discuss the pros and cons of the presidential candidates, express their individual preferences, and reach a consensus. In a typical presidential election year, you would have your top two or three candidates in mind so that if your first choice is not viable, you would have the opportunity to make a second choice and possibly a third. A candidate is viable if he/she receives fifteen percent support of the members present. As President Obama is running uncontested, you will have only two options this year - President Obama or uncommitted.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE CAUCUS? You must be a resident of Sioux County and you must be registered as a Democrat. Independents (Non-partisans), Republicans, Greens, etc., may all participate, but you are required to register as a Democrat prior to the caucus. Residents of Sioux County who have not yet registered to vote may do so by contacting Michelle Zimmerman, Sioux County Clerk and requesting a voter registration, OR you may register at the site the afternoon of the caucus. We will have appropriate forms available. Aside from the typical information for such a form, be sure you know your section, township, range and the school district of your home and or the property on which you reside. Students may also participate in the caucus if they will be 18 years of age on or before November 6, 2012.

ABSENTEE PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE BALLOTS. Unlike some of the other State caucuses, Nebraska will offer absentee presidential preference ballots. You must apply in writing any time after Wednesday, February 29, 2012 to: Cheryl Averill, 250 S 7 Rd, Morrill, NE, 69358 or by calling (308) 247-2475. A request for the Absentee Preference Ballot must be received or postmarked by Tuesday, April 3, 2012 and returned no later than Tuesday, April 10, 2012. To be eligible for the absentee ballot, you must be: 1.) homebound, disabled or infirmed, or 2.) out of state, either in the military or attending school.

If you have questions? Please feel free to contact one of the caucus precinct leaders:

Bowen Precinct (northern half of Sioux County):

Doc Moore docmoore43@gmail.com or call (308) 665-1693

Meredith Bixler call (308) 665-5516

Sheep Creek Precinct (southern half of Sioux County):

Cheryl Averill: caverill@siouxcountydems.org or call: (308) 247-2475.

Debbie Courtney: dcourtney@siouxcountydems.org or call (308) 641-3845

Again, the Nebraska Democratic Presidential Caucus takes place on April 14, 2012. We will mail post cards about the 9^th of April as a reminder to you and also to let you know the exact time and place of the caucus(es). You all are welcome to attend the meetings and any Sioux County Democratic Party events we have during the course of this year.