REGIONAL — Democrats across northern Minnesota turned out Tuesday night for precinct caucuses, with organizers reporting renewed energy and an influx of younger participants not seen since the Bernie Sanders campaigns of previous cycles.
In International Falls, Aaron Kania, a candidate for state representative in District 3A, described the scene as reminiscent of the record 2008 presidential election year.
“There was a line out the door at 7,” Kania said. “I don’t think we got going until a quarter after, just to give everyone a chance to check in.”
The caucus, held at the local college, drew 54 participants who cast a unanimous straw poll for Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the gubernatorial race. Kania said the college location made it easy for younger voters to attend.“People were energized and engaged. It was really uplifting,” he said.
Kania’s team reported similar increases across the district, with Babbitt drawing 14 caucus-goers and Hoyt Lakes 10.

Younger voters show up in Ely
In Ely, longtime caucus participant Betty Firth noted a marked change in the demographic makeup of attendees.
“We had a lot of younger people show up, which is unusual, so it was great to see that,” Firth said. “We have a demographic that is beneficial for the future of Ely. Many younger people are stepping up and providing leadership.”
While overall turnout in Ely didn’t quite match the surge during Sanders’ campaigns, Firth said it exceeded recent cycles. Fall Lake Township reported 17 participants as well.
The influx of new faces brought its own challenges, however. Firth said many first-time caucus-goers weren’t familiar with the process.
“Don’t assume that everybody knows what it means or what it involves time-wise,” she said, noting confusion about the role of delegates and the caucus structure itself.
The Ely caucus began in an auditorium before breaking into precinct-specific rooms, which Firth said caused some initial confusion as attendees wandered into breakout spaces before the main session started.

A broader tent
Both Kania and Firth described an atmosphere that felt more inclusive than divisive.
“Many of them are disillusioned by the political parties and the current state of things,” Firth said of the younger attendees. “It’s very heartening to see they’re concerned and willing to be involved.”
Kania echoed that sentiment, noting the return of Democrats who haven’t participated in recent years.
“People they haven’t seen at DFL caucus for a while were there,” he said. “I think there is a shift that’s taken place. DFL has a big tent. Other voices in the room, people coming back, have questions and concerns that are broader than usual, and people were listening. It was a comfortable experience.”

Statewide
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar cemented her place as the DFL Party’s frontrunner and likely nominee, while House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls separated from the pack on the Republican side, with MyPillow’s Mike Lindell also in the top three.
For other GOP candidates, the results could lead to some campaign soul-searching in the days ahead, although some have vowed to press on through a May endorsing convention and into an August primary. 
The nonbinding straw polls were only a small part of the night’s story. Turnout was off the charts in some locations as voters used caucuses to voice their displeasure with the state of affairs, whether it’s in their own Capitol or coming out of Washington.
Minnesota Public Radio contributed to this report.