Tuesday April 16, 2013  A political day. 

First, picked up Robert A. Heinlein's Double Star from Southeast Library.  I consider it one of the best science fiction novels about politics, if not the best.

In the evening I attended the Ward 2, Precinct 3 DFL caucus.  (DFL:  Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.  Except for the name, I don't think anything's left of the Farmer-Labor Party.)

Seven people showed up.  Fifty-two percent of Southeast Como residents are between 18 and 24 years old -- the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campuses are nearby.  I don't think any caucus attendees were under 50.

(Some other DFL caucuses were crowded.  However, Ward 2 didn't have any declared DFL City Council candidates.  Nor Republican candidates.  The incumbent is a Green, and may be re-elected with no opposition.)

The precinct caucus was entitled to elect 49 delegates and 49 alternates to the Ward 2 caucus.  I had no trouble getting elected.

Also, 13 delegates and 13 alternates to the Minneapolis caucus.  I had no trouble being elected.

City elections will use Ranked Choice Voting for the first time this year.  An explanation of RCV was given.  I didn't need it; I'm familiar with the Australian Ballot from science fiction club elections.

The incumbent Park Board member showed up to ask for support.

Someone came to ask for support for mayoral candidate Mark Andrew.

It was mentioned that Minneapolis has a "weak mayor" system, which means the city council has most of the power.

I pointed out that Chicago also has a "weak mayor" system in theory.  (In practice, most Chicago mayors have been powerful.)

One set of resolutions, to have Minneapolis consider the possibility of producing its own power.  Passed.

Note: Minneapolis city elections are nonpartisan.  Which does not keep parties from making endorsements.