Welcome to the first weekend of the 2013 Massachusetts Democratic Caucuses!  Over the next few weeks, Democrats will join together at schools, town halls, libraries, and local community centers to begin the discussion on our 2013 Platform.  Over the next month, more than 4,000 delegates will be elected to attend the 2013 Massachusetts Democratic Platform Convention in Lowell.  The 2013 Convention will determine the next Party Platform for the Massachusetts Democratic Party and will feature a Youth Convention for High School Students in Massachusetts.

PAY DELEGATE FEES HERE

The Platform process is underway and hearings have begun across the state to collect testimony on what should and should not be included in the new document.  Take a look at our current Platform and familiarize yourself with the areas that matter most to you.  Then, visit our page dedicated to the 2013 Platform and find a hearing near you to get involved.  Not one near you yet?  Set one up and we will list it on the website.

Not sure when and where your local caucus will be held?  We’ve compiled all of the information at massdems.org/caucus for you to find when and where your local caucus is.  Scroll up and down, and left to right to see everything that is there.  If you are unsure of how many delegates will be sent to the convention from your town, check out the town-by-town allocation.

Much of the information you will need for a successful caucus was sent out to the town and ward chairs in December.  All of the necessary forms and rules will be posted and will be available at your local caucus, but for your ease today, here is the information to download in digital form:

Chairman Walsh’s Letter to the Delegates
VoteBuilder Caucus Instructions
2013 Preliminary Call to Convention
APPENDIX A-City Caucus Site Waiver
APPENDIX B – Sample Press Release
APPENDIX C – Registration Fee Waiver
APPENDIX D – Youth Add-On Application
APPENDIX E – Minority Add-On Application
APPENDIX F – Disabled Add-On Application

If you are not elected at your caucus, there are still opportunities for you to attend the convention. Consistent with the Democratic Party’s commitment to including historically underrepresented communities, you can apply to be an add-on delegate as a youth, minority or disabled delegate. Forms can be submitted online or by paper application.

The fee waiver form is also available online this year.  Our office will evaluate all waivers that come in and find amicable solutions to guarantee no delegate is left out due to financial constraints.

PAY DELEGATE FEES HERE

The closest hotel this year is the Courtyard Marriott in Lowell (30 Industrial Ave E, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone Number: 1-978-458-7575).  For the delegates elected to attend the convention and looking to arrive on Friday check out our full listing of hotels in the Lowell area.  The reservations for these hotels should go straight to the numbers listed with each hotel.  The business of the convention is on Saturday only this year, but the gathering begins with the Host Committee events on Friday and it is a wonderful experience for everyone to be there for the full weekend if possible.

This weekend, our staff will be available to answer questions or problems that may arise at your local caucus.  Do not hesitate to call 617-939-0800 with questions and we will be happy to assist you.  Enjoy your caucus and enjoy the meeting of Democrats.  Make this event the first, but not the last way that you get involved in 2013.