BPOU Calendar

BPOU meeting for the Executive Committee. All precinct chairs and officers are encouraged to attend.

In Minnesota Republican politics, a BPOU (Basic Political Organizational Unit) convention is the critical "second step" of the grassroots process, occurring after the precinct caucuses. Since Senate District 53 covers a specific geographic area (primarily parts of Woodbury and Oakdale in the East Metro), its BPOU convention is where local activists formalize their influence.

Here is what typically happens at the SD53 BPOU Convention:

1. The "Call to Order" and Seating

The convention begins with the Credentialing Committee report. Only the delegates and alternates who were elected at their neighborhood precinct caucuses (held on February 3, 2026) are eligible to vote.

• Seating: If a delegate is absent, an alternate from the same precinct is "seated" in their place to ensure the district has full representation.

2. Election of BPOU Leadership

In odd-numbered years (or as needed), the convention elects the Executive Committee that will run the local party for the next two years. This usually includes:

• Chair and Deputy Chair: The primary leaders and spokespeople.

• Secretary and Treasurer: Responsible for records and campaign finance compliance.

• Vice Chairs/Directors: Often representing specific areas or tasks (like door-knocking or digital outreach).

3. Endorsement of Candidates

This is often the most high-stakes part of the day. Delegates vote on whether to endorse a Republican candidate for the State Senate or State House seats within District 53.

• The 60% Rule: To receive the official party endorsement, a candidate must typically win 60% of the delegate vote.

• Significance: An endorsement grants the candidate access to party resources, data, and the "Sample Ballot" sent to voters.

4. Election of Higher-Level Delegates

The convention must elect the people who will represent SD53 at the next levels of the party hierarchy:

• Congressional District (CD2) Convention: To endorse a candidate for U.S. Congress.

• State Convention: To endorse statewide candidates (like Governor or U.S. Senate) and vote on the state party platform.

• State Central Committee: These are the "permanent" representatives who vote on state party business throughout the year.

5. Platform Resolutions

Resolutions that were passed at the local precinct caucuses are debated and voted on.

• If a resolution passes here, it moves on to the State Convention. This is how grassroots members influence the official Republican Party Platform on issues like taxes, education, and election integrity.

---

Based on that specific location and the 9 AM to 4 PM timeframe, here is what you can expect on March 21st:

1. The Morning Rush (9 AM – 10:30 AM)

• Registration & Credentials: This is the most important part of the morning. You’ll check in at a table to get your official delegate or alternate badge. Because the convention starts at 9 AM, the registration line will likely be longest between 8:15 and 9:00.

• The "Call to Order": The SD53 Chair will gavel the convention to life. You’ll start with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, and the adoption of the "Rules" and "Agenda."

• The Credentials Report: The convention will vote to officially "seat" the delegates. If you are an alternate, this is when you’ll find out if you’ve been moved up to a voting delegate spot due to an absence.

2. Candidate Speeches (Late Morning)

• Since 2026 is a big election year (Governor, U.S. Senate, and all state legislative seats), expect a parade of candidates.

• Local Candidates: Candidates for State Senate District 53 and House Districts, 53A and 53B will give their "stump speeches."

• Visiting Candidates: You will likely hear from representatives or the candidates themselves running for statewide offices (Governor, Attorney General, etc.) seeking the BPOU’s support heading into the State Convention.

3. The Business of the Party (The "Meat" of the Day)

• BPOU Elections: You’ll vote for the local leaders who will run the SD53 Republican party for the next two years.

• State Delegate Elections: You will vote on a slate of people to represent SD53 at the Congressional District  2 (CD2) Convention and the State Republican Convention.

• Endorsements: If there is a contested race for the local House or Senate seat, this is when the paper balloting happens. This can take several rounds if no one hits the 60% threshold immediately.

4. Lunch and Networking

• With a 4 PM end time, there is usually a break for lunch. Sometimes it’s "on your own," but often the BPOU or a candidate will provide a light lunch (sandwiches or pizza) for a small donation. This is the best time to actually talk to the candidates one-on-one.

5. Platform Resolutions (The Afternoon)

• The final stretch usually involves debating the resolutions passed at the precinct caucuses. This is where delegates argue over specific policy language—everything from tax policy to social issues. These can get "spirited," which is often why these conventions run right up until the 4 PM deadline.

---

Pro-Tips for 1185 Concord St N:

• Parking: The building has three large lots (North, South, and East). Since it's a Saturday, parking should be ample, but the East lot often has the best views of the river if you need a breather.

• Comfort: Professional office buildings can be notoriously chilly or over-air-conditioned. I’d recommend dressing in layers.