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SALT LAKE CITY — April has been a very busy month for many Utahns, not because of spring but because it is convention season.
Convention season actually starts in March after the GOP and Democratic neighborhood caucus meetings where delegates and precinct chairs are elected. Democrats met as a caucas on March 18 and Republicans met on March 20. Those delegates and elected officials then move onto their county and state conventions in April.
The Utah Republican Party met in county conventions beginning April 3 and leading up to the big state convention last weekend at the South Towne Expo Center.
Utah Democrats similarly met in their county conventions leading up to their state convention over the weekend at the Salt Palace.
Along with the conventions, delegates and precinct chairs receive training from their parties, information from elected officials and have the opportunity to be more involved in their parties caucases.
I have participated in campaigns in the past, but have never been a delegate and precinct chair before. I found not only a learning experience, but fun as well. Along the way I picked up some tips and advice for other first-time conventiongoers, or anyone wanting to be more involved in the election process.
Learn about the candidates and the issues and prepare questions. Read the bylaws for your party and understand the voting process.
1. Do your homework before you attend. Learn about the candidates and the issues and prepare questions. Read the bylaws for your party and understand the voting process.
2. Take your role seriously. Cheryl Sneddon, a precinct chair and delegate for six years, says, "It's not about hobnobbing with politicians."
3. Join a caucas. The Utah Democratic conventions have numerous caucases that give endorsements to candidates and help you get involved. Among others are the LDS Democrats, Women's Caucus, Hispanic Democrats and the Utah Disability Caucus.
4. Find your issues. Megan Bishop, another first-time delegate, says to "find your passion" and then "don't be afraid to speak up for those issues that are important to you."
5. Prepare practically. Conventions are loud, boisterous and busy. Come early to find parking and register. Bring cash to donate to candidates and buy food. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes because you may be walking or standing around for a while. Since conventions are so early in the morning, I found that caffeine also was a necessity!
6. Have fun. One thing I found at the Democratic conventions is that people were very friendly. There was so much energy in the building and sometimes it felt like one big party. I was able to make new friends as well as mingle with old.
Even though the conventions are over, there are still many ways to be involved. You can volunteer with the Utah Republican Party through this online form. To volunteer with the Utah Democratic Party, you can fill out this form.
With the success of Count my Vote, there will be some changes next election with the neighborhood caucuses. But conventions will still happen, and both Republicans and Democrats need citizens wanting to participate.
I learned a great deal in my role as a delegate and I encourage others to take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in their community's election process.
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead is a senior librarian with Salt Lake County Library. She can be reached at rogerswhitehead@gmail.com
