The Monroe County Democratic Party delayed its in-person vacancy caucus due to unsafe weather conditions expected Sunday, according to a press release Friday. The caucus, originally scheduled for Sunday, will now happen at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Monroe County Courthouse.
The caucus is to fill an at-large vacancy on the Monroe County Council after longtime Councilor Cheryl Munson’s death last month. Nine people have filed for the position.
The party does not conduct virtual or hybrid caucuses for offices of public trust, according to the release.
“These conditions would put the caucus at risk and also risk a low turnout for a consequential appointment as road crews reach the entire county,” the release read.
Monroe County and much of the state are under a winter storm watch from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. There’s a high probability of 6 or more inches of snow and the possibility of “significant accumulations” of freezing rain or sleet. Wind gusts could reach 35 miles per hour.
Roads will be slick, according to the NWS, and motorists should consider delaying all travel. The winds and heavy snow could also down power lines and cause outages.
The party consulted with officials from the Indiana Secretary of State Election Division, the Indiana Democratic Party and county government before making the decision, according to the release.
