Classroom Caucus Provides Preview To Super Tuesday In Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota is among the few Super Tuesday states that will caucus for both parties.
It's a much more involved process than the traditional voting primary, and students at Mound Westonka High School got some last minute instruction before they cast their ballot.
For nearly 20 years, Rob Paul has taught the intricacies of the Minnesota caucuses to his advanced placement government class at Mound Westonka.
"This is all part of that nomination process of sending delegates to national convention," Rob Paul explained to his class.
This year, he's noticed the lesson is taking on an even greater importance.
"I think the big thing, this year, is Minnesota really has a defining role," Paul said. "We haven't had that in the past. We haven't had that nationwide attention, so I think this is cool to be part of this process that really is setting tone for the rest of the nomination process."
Paul's classroom is made up of seniors, all of whom will be 18 on election day. Nearly half plan to cast their first ballot Tuesday.
Knowing this, Paul wanted his students to truly understand of the process.
"I've watched some of them come alive during the process," Paul said. "Candidates bring it out, issues bring it out -- this time of year is just awesome."
His students agree.
"I'm really excited and really glad that I can finally have a voice in the American political system," MWHS senior Claire Rude said.
Before a caucus vote takes place, the students learn their first choice is party allegiance. Paul split the class in half for a mock caucus, half represented Democrats, the other half represented Republicans.
Caucuses are different than a traditional primary because they are essentially local meetings held by each party and participants weigh in on more than just presidential preference. Often times, participants help shape the party's platform.
"You can talk about possible amendments, you can talk about party rules and this kind of stuff," Paul said.
MWHS senior Josh Kline said he learned a lot in the process.
"I'm hoping to take away political ideas and learn more about everyone's views are," Kline said.
Eventually, each voter will cast a ballot to help determine a candidates future. After the students cast their fake ballots, the results showed preference to Bernie Sanders and Donald trump.
"I'll be interested to see how closely this resembles what the caucuses come up with tomorrow night," Paul said.
Yet, the Mound Westonka caucus wasn't about political partiality rather the lessons learned for future elections.
"I feel this is a class that's going to impact how I participate in politics the rest of my life," Kline said.
Minnesota has an open caucus system which means participants don't have to be registered to a certain party to attend a caucus.