Parties look to 2020 caucuses

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Both the Republican and Democratic parties in Weston County are preparing for the upcoming 2020 presidential caucus although procedures vary by party. 
“In a change from previous years, the Wyoming Democratic Party will distribute ballots as part of its 2020 presidential caucus procedure,” said Bill Fuller, a local Democrat who is helping to organize the caucus. “Ballots will be mailed to all voters registered in the state as Democrats, but voters who are not already registered must do so by March 10 in order to receive a ballot in the mail.” 
Fuller noted that ballots must be postmarked no later than March 20. 
According to Fuller, ballots can be returned to the state by mail or you can cast your vote in person on early voting day, March 28. Completed ballots can be cast from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Weston County Library conference room, 23 West Main Street. 
“Voters who miss either of these opportunities will still be able to participate by registering as Democrats before April 4 and attending a caucus on that date,” Fuller said. “Registered individuals may also opt to vote on the day of the caucus, Saturday April 4, at the library between 9:30 and 11 a.m. Ballots will not be accepted after 11 except for those who remain to attend the caucus.” 
Those planning to attend the caucus, Fuller said, can check in at the library before 11 a.m. He noted that the doors will be closed promptly at 11 to begin the caucus, those attending the event can cast their ballots during the caucus. 
“Individuals wishing to attend the state Democratic Party convention on June 6 as a Weston County delegate are particularly encouraged to attend the caucus,” Fuller said. “The party encourages participation of teenage residents, who are eligible to register with the county clerk as long as they will be 18 by the national Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020.” 
Kari Drost, chair of the Weston County Republican Party, said that the process is different for Republicans. In order to participate in a caucus, you must be present. The Republican Party does not mail ballots for caucuses, she said. 
“In order to participate in the caucus or convention, you have to go,” Drost said. “Those who are there and are registered Republicans can participate if they are in attendance.” 
During the caucus the group will elect people to the county convention that will be attended by many of the same individuals, Drost said. 
“County Caucus and Convention presents the opportunity in all 23 Wyoming counties to form committees that propose and pass new platform planks, resolutions and bylaws, and elect state and national delegates and alternate and select national committeewoman and national committeemen,” Drost said. “This process leads up to the Wyoming Republican Party 2020 state convention.”
“We will also elect the committee people that will go to the state convention in Gillette in May as representatives for Weston County,” Drost said, noting that the event is held May 7 through 9 at The Cam-Plex in Gillette.
The Weston County Republican Party precinct caucus is scheduled for March 14 at 10 a.m. at the Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center, and the Weston County Republican Party county convention is scheduled for March 28 at 10 a.m. at the same location. 
Drost encouraged all registered Republicans to attend the events.