General meetings of the Needham Democratic Town Committee are opportunities to discuss issues of concern to local Democrats, and plan electoral and other activities in support of Democratic candidates and policies. From time-to-time, elected officials and other speakers are featured. These meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.
- This event has passed.
2018 Democratic Caucus
February 3, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
This post provides:
(1) information about the caucus to be held Saturday, February 3, to select delegates for the state Democratic convention in Worcester on Saturday, June 2,
(2) information about the add-on delegate process for people under 36, and certain historically underrepresented groups, and
(3) useful links regarding registration and the caucus process.CAUCUS
The caucus is at 10:00 am at the Newman Elementary School auditorium, 1155 Central Ave. Doors open by 9:30. You can participate if you are in line by 10 am. You must be a registered Democrat to run as a delegate, or to vote for delegates (see links below to check or change registration). The caucus is open to the public, and anyone can attend and observe. Snow date is Saturday, March 3.
To run as a delegate, please be committed to attending the convention in Worcester on June 2, all day if necessary (but hopefully not all day!), and to paying the $75 convention fee promptly (or submitting a short form for a fee waiver in case of financial hardship).
The convention can be important because a candidate needs to get 15% of the convention vote to get on the ballot.
Expected agenda:
- Introductory information and remarks
- Open floor for nominations
- Brief statement by caucus nominees
- Vote on delegates
- If elected, you need to stay to sign acceptance papers
ADD-ON DELEGATE PROCESS
The state party allows minority, disabled, youth, and LGBT+ individuals to become delegates through an “add-on” process if you are not elected at a caucus, or even if you do not attend a caucus. You apply after the caucus. Typically, there are enough add-on slots to accommodate everyone who applies; but if more people apply than the number of slots, preference is given to people who attended their caucus, and/or who are involved in Democratic Party organizations. (See link to add-on application below)
“Youth” is more expansive than you might expect — age 18-35. So, you need to be (1) a registered or pre-registered Democrat; (2) at least age 18 on or before September 18, 2018; and (3) under the age of 36 on September 18, 2018. (See link regarding youth add-on)
LINKS
You can check your status as a voter here: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx.
You can register or change your registration, go here: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/.
State party documents related to the convention: http://massdems.org/convention/2018-convention,
including:Youth add-on selection procedure: http://massdems.org/files/Youth-Add-On-Selection-Procedure-1.pdf.
Add-on application: http://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMRcFO_VG86hEpkLrTLhetPaZS3yxKOBaJ5Nxx_vTqMwhJ8w/viewform