WHAT IS CAUCUS AND ASSEMBLY?
Caucuses and assemblies are how Democrats nominate their favorite candidates to the primary ballot.
This is where we elect precinct organizers, identify election judges, move candidates forward, and decide how our party shows up on the ballot. This process gives everyday Democrats a direct voice in the future of the party.
Through this process we also draft and approve a party platform, which shapes what our party believes in and fights for and what our party believes in and fights for. You can take a survey right now to tell us what needs to be in our platform.
A caucus is a local meeting of Democrats in your neighborhood or voting precinct.
It’s usually the first step in the party’s ballot nominating process.
At a caucus, Democrats come together to:
Meet others in their community
Elect precinct organizers and local party leaders
Elect delegates to represent the precinct at the county assembly
Begin shaping the priorities and direction of the Democratic Party
Caucuses are open to registered Democrats who live in the precinct. Pre-registered 16- and 17-year-olds may also participate.
You do not need experience to attend. Many people come to listen, learn, and understand how the process works.
Find when and where your county caucus is here.
Find which candidates have announced they are seeking nomination through the Caucus and Assembly process here.
What is a Caucus?
What is an Assembly?
An assembly is a meeting of delegates who were elected at caucuses or earlier assemblies.
Assemblies take place at several levels:
County Assembly
District or Multi-County Assembly
State Assembly
At assemblies, delegates:
Vote on which candidates advance in the nominating process
Decide which candidates move toward the primary ballot
Elect delegates to the next level of assembly
Assemblies are how the party narrows the field and ensures candidates have real grassroots support before appearing on the ballot.
If there is no candidate at an Assembly, a candidate can be nominated from the floor.
Find when and where your county assembly is here.
How Caucus and Assembly Work Together
The process works like this:
Precinct Caucus – Local Democrats meet and elect delegates
County Assembly – Delegates vote and advance candidates
District or Multi-County Assembly – Delegates represent their communities at the next level
State Assembly – Delegates help finalize the Democratic primary ballot
Primary Election – Voters choose the nominee
Each step builds on the one before it, ensuring decisions are made from the ground up.
What to Expect
Most meetings last 1–3 hours
Some counties hold caucus and assembly on the same day
Children are welcome (bring quiet activities)
Locations are ADA accessible or offer virtual options, depending on the county
Who Can Participate?
To vote or run for delegate at a Democratic caucus, you must:
Be registered as a Democrat
Be registered and affiliated by the deadline before caucus
You can check or change your registration at GoVoteColorado.gov.
First-time participants are welcome and encouraged.
If you want a say in who represents Democrats on the ballot, care about the direction and leadership of our party and are curious about how party decisions are actually made, we hope you find the time to attend.
Why This Matters
Caucuses and assemblies give Democrats a way to:
Shape the party before elections begin
Support candidates who reflect their values
Elect party leadership from the grassroots up
Hold the party accountable to its members
This process works best when people take part.
If You Can’t Attend Every Step
Many people can’t attend every meeting because of work, distance, or family needs. That’s okay. If you attend a caucus, vote, or support a delegate, you are participating in a meaningful way.
If you are a person with a disability or someone who would like to request an accommodation, please submit your request using this form.
Want to Learn More?
Our party staff is holding a few public information sessions to go over all of this and more with you!
Wednesday January 21 at 5:30 pm. Register here.
Wednesday January 28 at 5:30 pm Register here
Wednesday February 4 at 5:30 pm Register here
Wednesday February 11 at 5:30 pm Register here