February 15, 2016
First Iowa and New Hampshire, now South Carolina and Nevada!
Soon it will be time for Washington voters to cast their presidential preferences in Washington's caucuses!
What is a caucus? It's a neighborhood meeting where voters and their neighbors gather to talk about their presidential choices and issues that are important to them. In Spokane County, the caucus process is run by the local legislative district Democratic Party organizations. Outside Spokane County (but in eastern Washington), the caucus process is run by county Democratic Party organizations.
How do I find my caucus location? Registered voters can pre-register for the March 26 caucuses and find out where their precincts will caucus.
When is the caucus? Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 10:00 am.
Why do we caucus in Washington? Washington Democrats have a long history of meeting in caucuses versus a presidential primary. Because voters don't express a party preference when registering to vote, the caucus process helps the Washington State Democratic Party and candidates identify voters who might be like-minded with respect to campaigns and issues. In addition, for individuals interested in participating as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in July, the "road to Philadelphia" begins with the caucuses on March 26. The majority of delegates sent by our state to the Democratic National Convention are selected by caucus participants, unlike a primary where political party insiders or campaign workers are typically chosen as delegates. Take an hour or two of time on March 26 and join your neighbors in a meeting to help choose our Democratic nominee for president!
Can I vote by absentee ballot? Generally no. "In person" caucus participation has historically been required. For the 2016 caucuses, a "surrogate affidavit" form permits people not able to attend on March 26 for a specified reason (work, military service, illness, disability, religious observance) the ability to participate in their caucus. The form must sent back to the State Party in Seattle so that it is received by them by Friday, March 18, 2016 at 5:00 pm.
For more information about caucuses in the 3rd Legislative District, please click here.
Third Legislative