Cornell will host Democratic, Republican caucuses

Cornell College students will be at the center of the U.S. democratic process on Feb. 1 as the college hosts precinct caucuses for both the Democratic and Republican parties during Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. The caucuses start at 7 p.m.

“We’re excited to host precinct caucuses for both parties,” said Katie Wilson, Cornell’s assistant director for civic engagement. “It’s a unique opportunity for our students to learn about the political process firsthand.”

Wilson said that members of the Cornell College Republicans and Cornell College Democrats have been recruited by the parties to help run the caucuses.

In preparation for the caucuses, the Cornell College Democrats and Republicans will each be hosting mock “candy caucuses.”

Where to caucus

Republicans in both of Mount Vernon’s precincts (Mount Vernon North and Mount Vernon South) will caucus at the Small Multi-Sport Center.

Democrats in Linn Township, a rural precinct just north of Mount Vernon bordered by Abbe Hills Road on the south and Bolton Manor Road on the north, will caucus in the Hall-Perrine Room of Thomas Commons. It is open to residents of that precinct.

Cornell College students who live on-campus and participate in the Democratic caucus will attend Mount Vernon South precinct caucus at the Mount Vernon High School Commons. On-campus residents who participate in the Republican caucus will gather at the Small Multi-Sports Center. Both parties allow participants to register as party members at the caucuses.