Democrats to caucus on March 26 - presidential primary on May 24

If you are a Washington State voter the process for choosing our next president can be confusing.

The Democrats determine delegates for their candidates ONLY BASED ON THE CAUCUS, and do not count the results of the primary, which is scheduled for May 24.

The caucus is on Saturday, March 26, and you must be there in person if you want your vote to count for one of the Democratic candidates.

The only exception is if you fill out and submit a surrogate affidavit form before March 18th.

Find out where your Democratic precinct caucus will be held and get the surrogate form (along with other good information) at this site

• 32nd District Democrats will meet at Shorewood High School, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133 and Broadview-Thompson Elementary, 13052 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle 98133.
• 46th District Democrats will meet at LFP Elementary, 18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park 98155 and other locations in Seattle.

Note that you have to go to the location where your specific precinct meets.

Those planning to attend in person are urged to pre-register and print out the form. You’ll get in a lot quicker and make the process go faster if you pre-register. 

Caucus voters support their candidate of choice, with each candidate being awarded the proportion of delegates that corresponds with their percentage of support. Anybody can participate, although voting is limited to registered voters who consider themselves Democrats and to persons seventeen years of age who will be eligible to vote on or before November 8, 2016.  

The Republican caucuses took place on February 20 (see previous article) but the Republicans use the results from the primary on May 24 to choose their delegates.

Participation in either party's caucus or primary becomes public record. Participants in one party's events can not participate in another.

See also: Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman announces candidates for presidential primary

Updated 3-13-2016