Caucus Attendees Candidates Hosts & Volunteers Find My Precinct FAQ Caucus Rules Precinct Positions
Voter Check-In Election Results
Getting Ready

Training & Preparation

The county party provides training and resources to help every host feel confident and prepared before March 17.

Attend a Training Session

The county party holds training sessions for precinct hosts and volunteers ahead of caucus night. Dates and registration are posted at utcountydems.com. Training covers procedures, ballot handling, and troubleshooting.

Review the Official Rules

Familiarize yourself with the Democratic Party's caucus procedures. Visit the Caucus Rules page for a summary of official bylaws, Robert's Rules of Order, and voting procedures.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Want to help but not ready to host alone? Sign up as a volunteer through the county party. Volunteers assist with check-in, ballot counting, and venue setup. Register at utcountydems.com.

Training Dates — Check for Updates

Official training session dates will be announced by the county party. Visit utcountydems.com or contact communications@utcountydems.com to register and confirm dates. Training is strongly recommended for all first-time hosts.

Outreach

Advertising Your Caucus

A well-attended caucus starts with good communication. Here's how to spread the word in your precinct before March 17.

Preparation

Venue Checklist

Use this expandable checklist to prepare your caucus venue. Complete each section before caucus night.

Advance Visit

  • Visit the location in advance to confirm access and layout
  • Confirm facility access rules (key codes, contact person, hours)
  • Verify the space can comfortably hold your expected attendance
  • Identify power outlets and lighting
  • Confirm the venue is ADA accessible

Room Layout

  • Set up a check-in table near the entrance with voter roster, name tags, and sign-in sheets
  • Designate a meet-and-greet area for the 6:30–7 PM open period
  • Arrange chairs in rows or a semicircle for the formal 7 PM meeting
  • Ensure front of room is visible to all attendees
  • Reserve space near the front for tellers to count ballots privately

Equipment & Supplies

  • Tables and chairs (enough for expected attendance plus extras)
  • Whiteboard or flip chart for tallying votes publicly
  • Markers, pens, and pencils (bring extras for voters) - provided by the county party
  • Digital voter roster - provided by the county party
  • Ballots - provided by the county party
  • Name tags and markers for check-in
  • Microphone or PA system if room is large
  • WiFi password (to share with attendees)
  • Extension cords and power strips if needed

Facility Amenities

  • Locate bathrooms and ensure they're unlocked and accessible
  • Locate drinking fountains or provide water for attendees
  • Locate all emergency exits and ensure aisles are clear
  • Confirm adequate parking is available and free
  • Post directional signs from parking area to meeting room if needed
  • Yard signs advertising the caucus - provided by the county party
Procedures

Ballot & Voting Procedures

Follow the Democratic Party's official voting procedures to ensure every election is fair and valid.

Paper Ballots

All elections use written paper ballots. Pre-cut blank paper into uniform slips before the event. Voters write the name of their chosen candidate on the slip and hand it to a designated teller. No pre-printed ballots with names are used.

Tellers

Designate at least two tellers after everyone splits into precincts. Tellers collect ballots, count them, and report totals to the Chair. Tellers should not be candidates in the race being counted. Results are announced publicly.

Majority Rule

A candidate wins with a simple majority of votes cast for that position. If no candidate achieves a majority in the first round (multiple delegate seats), additional rounds of voting are conducted until all seats are filled.

Official Caucus Rules

For the complete official procedures, see the Caucus Rules page and the Utah Democratic Party bylaws. If a procedural dispute arises during your caucus, contact the county party immediately at communications@utcountydems.com.

Day-of Guide

Host Day-of Timeline

Use this timeline on March 17 to make sure everything runs smoothly from setup to close.

5:30 PM
Arrive at Venue — Unlock and set up the space. Arrange check-in table, chairs, and meeting area. Test microphone or PA system if applicable. Post directional signs.
6:00 PM
Final Setup & Briefing — Brief your volunteers on their roles: check-in, tellers, meet-and-greet helpers. Confirm you have the voter roster, ballots, and pens. Review the agenda and procedures.
6:30 PM
Doors Open — Check-in Begins — Welcome attendees. Check in voters against the roster, have them sign in, and distribute name tags. The meet-and-greet period begins for candidates to mingle with attendees.
6:50 PM
Begin Transitioning to Meeting — Announce over the PA or verbally that the formal meeting begins in 10 minutes. Ask attendees to find seats. Ensure tellers are in position.
7:00 PM
Call the Meeting to Order — Call the meeting to order as temporary Chair or introduce the county representative doing so. Review ground rules, introduce yourself, and begin the official agenda.
7:05 PM
Run Precinct Elections — Conduct nominations, speeches, Q&A, and balloting for each position in order: Chair, Vice-Chair, then Delegates. Follow official voting procedures.
~8:00 PM
Announce Results & Adjourn — Announce all election results publicly. Share delegate information and next steps. Thank attendees. Officially adjourn the meeting. Return venue to original condition.
Support

Need Help? We've Got You.

No host should feel alone. The county party team is ready to answer questions, provide resources, and support you before and on caucus night.

Contact the County Party

Email us at communications@utcountydems.com for training registration, supply requests, procedure questions, or day-of emergencies. We're committed to making every precinct caucus a success.

Email the Party