Local Republicans, Democrats hosting caucuses Monday
RED OAK – Local Democrats and Republicans will have the opportunity to participate in Iowa’s famed first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses Monday night.
Starting at 7 p.m., Republicans living in precincts 1-4 will meet at the Red Oak High School, while those living in precincts 5-7 head to the Stanton high school to caucus for the GOP presidential nominee.
According to information provided by the County Republican party, registration for the caucus starts at 6 p.m., and only registered Republicans will be admitted. Voters can register as a Republican party member that night at their caucus location.
Attendees are urged to arrive early as doors will be closed and locked promptly at 7 p.m.
At that time, attendees will be able to speak on behalf of a presidential nominee for up to two minutes. Following the individual endorsements, attendees will be able to vote for their candidate on paper provided when they enter the auditorium.
Results will be tallied and then announced.
The Republican candidates include (in alphabetical order) Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Jim Gilmore, Mike Huckabee, John Kasich, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum and Donald Trump.
On the Democratic side, first and second precinct residents will caucus at the First Congregational Church at 608 E. Reed St., while those living in precincts three, four and six will go to Inman Primary. Democrats in precincts five and seven will meet at the Enarson Elementary school in Villisca.
As with the Republicans, voters can register to vote or change parties at the caucus location. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7, and according to information provided to the Express, everyone must be registered or in-line by 7 p.m. to participate.
Unlike the local Republican caucus, non-participating observers are welcome to attend and observe the event.
Democratic presidential candidates include Hilary Clinton, Martin O’Malley and Bernie Sanders.
Anyone who is unsure of what precinct they reside can call the Montgomery County Auditor at 623-5127.