Awareness is strength
Minnesota CD3 Republicans
An informed public is the foundation of good governance. When citizens understand the issues, they make wiser choices and build stronger communities. Knowledge empowers action — and when we know better, we do better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BPOU?
BPOU stands for Basic Political Organizational Unit.
- It is the smallest governing body of Republican organizations
- You will caucus with this group early in an election year
- It consists of several precincts, but depending on population density, its geographical size can vary. In rural areas, it can be a county or multiple counties, but in a metro area, a single city can consist of multiple BPOUs.
What is a Ward?
A Ward is a geographic location, represented by a City Council Member who is elected to make laws that govern the city.
What is a Precinct?
Precincts are the basic geographical areas for organizing and administering elections. They are established by the governing body of each city or town, or by the county board in unorganized territories.
What is a Precinct Caucus?
Precinct caucuses are meetings run by Minnesota's political parties. They are the first in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates, select delegates, and set goals and values (called party platforms).
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What is a Congressional District?
Congressional districts (CDs) are the 435 areas from which members are elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Each congressional district is to be as equal in population to all other congressional districts in a state as practicable. There are currently 8 Congressional Districts in Minnesota.
- Congressional districts are delineated every 10 years based on the newest U.S. Census.
- Each congressional district has one U.S. House Representative.
- Each consists of a number of BPOUs, who help endorse one candidate
Who are Our U.S. Legislators?
Use the links below to contact our U.S. legislators.
Kelly Morrison (DFL) CD3 Congressperson
Tina Smith (DFL) SenatorWhat is a State Senate District?
Minnesota State Senate Districts are determined by geographic location based on U.S. census data every 10 years. Each Senate District sends one State Senator to the Minnesota State Senate.
What is a State House District?
State House Districts are determined by State Senate Districts, which are determined by geographic location based on U.S. census data every 10 years. Two House Districts make up one State Senate District. Each House District sends one State Representative to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
What is Redistricting?
Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of election districts to ensure that the people of each district are equally represented.
Redistricting is done in the United States after the completion of Congressional reapportionment, which decides how many seats each state has in the 435 member House of Representatives. Reapportionment happens following the Decennial Census.
In Minnesota, the state legislature has constitutional responsibility for redistricting Minnesota’s Congressional districts, as well as Minnesota Senate and House districts, and Metropolitan Council districts. Local governments are responsible for redistricting other election districts:
- County boards are responsible for redistricting county commissioner districts
- City councils are responsible for redistricting city wards
- School boards are responsible for redistricting board member districts.
In addition, during the redistricting time period, cities and townships will establish (or reestablish) their precinct boundaries as part of the redistricting process, as will counties that have unorganized territory.
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What is the PCR Program?
PCR stands for Political Contribution Refund. Simply put, if you contribute up to $50 ($100 as a married couple) to a political candidate or party, the state of Minnesota will reimburse you for that contribution amount.
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How Do I Run for Office?
The beauty of our governmental system is that almost anyone can run for office! Here are some general guidelines:
ALL CANDIDATES
- Must be eligible to vote in Minnesota
- Must have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election
- Must be 21 years of age or more upon assuming office
- Must have maintained residence in their district* for at least 30 days before the general election
*Note: Candidates for federal office are exempt; There are additional guidelines for state and local offices.
MAJOR PARTY CANDIDATES
Must have participated in the party's most recent precinct caucuses, or intend to vote for a majority of the party's candidates at the next general election.
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How Do I Know if I'm Registered to Vote?
CLICK HERE to find out if you are registered to vote.
How Do I Become an Election Judge?
Election judges are temporary, paid employees of local election officials trained to handle all aspects of voting at the polling place. Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections, and is a great service to the community.
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GOP WEBSITES
NEWS
BLOGS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
Center of the American Experiment
Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance
MN Center for Fiscal Excellence
