Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the 2010 Precinct Caucuses

When are they scheduled?
Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 1:00 pm. (The Official 2010 Caucus to Convention Call may be downloaded from the list of links below.)

Are we required to have a caucus for each precinct?
Yes. You may hold multiple precincts in the same venue but they MUST meet separately.

Are public buildings required by law to be available to county parties free of charge?
No. In presidential years, public buildings are required to be available to county parties but they CAN charge a nominal custodial fee.

Why are we having them?
According to the Iowa Democratic Party Constitution, Article II, Section 2, precinct caucuses shall be held each even-numbered year upon a call issued by the State Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, which call shall be subject to the approval of the State Central Committee of the Party.

We have this provision in our constitution because the caucuses are a great opportunity to build our county parties (caucuses are where you elect precinct committee members to your county central committee), discuss and debate the platform, elect delegates to the county convention and discuss the upcoming election year.

When setting our county convention size, how do I know what size to set?
Generally we recommend going with the size you had in 2006. (See links below to download the original letter about convention sizes and/or a document detailing historical convention sizes for each county.)

Will the IDP be conducting trainings for temporary precinct chairs?
Yes. The IDP will conduct trainings in December and January. Precinct packets will be distributed at these trainings.

How do I submit Temporary Chairs?
Please send the name, contact information and precinct to Dena Gleason, dgleason@iowademocrats.org or mail to:

Iowa Democratic Party
Attn: Dena Gleason
5661 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321

Can you send a copy of all letters that have been sent out?
The letters may be downloaded from the following links.


Download Letters and Official Caucus to Convention Call

Official 2010 Caucus to Convention Call
About Caucus Locations
About County Convention Sizes
Historical County Convention Sizes
About Temporary Caucus Chairs