Democratic caucuses or the presidential primary, what is important? The presidential delegate selection method in Washington state depends on which political party you want to support.

For Democrats, it’s not so simple. The Democratic caucus system is the only way to have your vote count. You must attend your precinct caucus on Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. Don’t be late. If you live on Vashon-Maury Island, your caucus location is the Open Space, 18870 103rd Ave. SW. You must declare as a Democrat at least for the day. If you are not a registered voter, you can register at the caucus.

A total of 67 of Washington’s 101 delegates to the National Democratic Convention will be determined from Washington caucuses. These 67 delegates will be joined by 34 others determined by the congressional district results. Washington also has eight unpledged party superdelegates.

The presidential primary is not used by the Washington Democratic Party. However, Democrats can vote to influence their eight unpledged superdelegates.

Washington’s presidential primary is Tuesday, May 24. Every registered voter will receive a ballot and a voters pamphlet showing all the candidates from both major parties. Independents and minor parties (Greens, Libertarians, etc.) are not included and use a separate process. We do not register by political party in Washington, so you may cast your ballot for anyone you choose as long as you sign a political party declaration on your ballot return envelope that matches your voted candidate’s political party. Independent and minor party voters may declare as Democrats or Republicans.

For Republicans, delegate selection is very simple. Just make sure you are registered and turn in your Washington State Presidential Primary ballot by Tuesday, May 24. All 44 of Washington’s delegates to the Republican National Convention are allocated to presidential contenders based on the results of the voting in the presidential primary.

— Melvin Mackey