Islanders will have a chance to help select the Democratic nominee for president when the precinct caucuses convene this Saturday across the state.

The caucuses are the initial step in sending delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this summer, where the party will nominate either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders for the presidency. Throughout Washington this weekend, voters will gather together, select their choice of candidate and — unlike in a primary when ballots are quietly slipped into the mail or ballot box — exchange ideas about who will be the best candidate to lead the country forward.

“The brilliant thing about caucuses is that they essentially bring a community together and encourage grassroots conversation,” said islander March Twisdale, the lead area caucus coordinator.

Many islanders likely remember the caucus of 2008, when a sea of more than 1,600 Vashon residents filled the gym at McMurray Middle School, overwhelmingly endorsing then-Senator Barack Obama for president. Twisdale said similar numbers are expected at this year’s caucus at the Open Space for Arts & Community, and she and nearly 40 volunteers are planning for the event to ensure that it goes smoothly.

The doors will open at 9 a.m., with the caucus slated to begin at 10 a.m. Parking will likely be a challenge, and while volunteers will be assisting, Twisdale recommended carpooling, biking or busing to the event — and arriving early. After a certain point, she said, latecomers would be welcome, but they would lose their ability to influence how delegates are allocated.

“Being Vashonably late is not a good idea,” she added.

According to state law, any person who will be 18 by Nov. 8 may attend. Washington does not register voters by party, but when caucus-goers register for the event, they will be asked to affirm that they consider themselves Democrats and to state their preference for the presidential nominee.

Twisdale recommended pre-registering for the caucus online and bringing the printed form along, making it possible to forego the sign-in process at the caucus itself. People who have not registered to vote may do so at the caucus, she added.

Following the opening remarks at 10 a.m., voters will break into groups, according to Vashon’s 19 precincts. Most of the precincts already have captains, but those that do not will elect them, and the first presidential nominee vote tally will be announced. Time for discussion will be provided at this point, and those supporting each of the candidates may make a pitch for their choice of candidate, hoping to influence other voters.

Twisdale stressed the importance of respect throughout the event, including during this time.

“Our number one goal: This is a civil event,” she said. “The goal is that people will be … happy they came and feel respected for their thoughts regardless of if they are undecided or which candidate they prefer.”

Following the conversation period, a second vote will be taken, which will determine the outcome and delegation allocation. Those who attend will also choose delegates for the upcoming legislative district caucuses and county conventions.

After this work is completed, members of each precinct will be free to leave.

While the Democratic caucus is part of a long-standing political tradition, on Vashon that day a tradition of a different kind is also taking place: the Easter egg hunt and festivities at Ober Park. Twisdale said she is hoping people will be out before the egg hunt begins at noon. She noted that it is important to find a balance between allowing people to speak up for their candidates and keeping in mind that many people may also hope to head to Ober Park. But in order to have their votes counted, Twisdale added, people cannot leave early.

Looking ahead to Washington’s caucuses, representatives from both the Sanders and Clinton campaigns are encouraging participation.

In an interview last week, Dulce Saenz, the state director of the Sanders campaign, praised the caucus process and noted that for Sanders, this weekend’s event will be important.

“Places like Washington are places that will help us improve our delegate count,” she said, adding that Sanders is not “insurmountably” behind Clinton.

“We feel confident in the upcoming states,” she added.

She noted that Sanders’ positions on several issues align with those of Washington residents, including supporting a $15 minimum wage and taking a strong stance on climate change.

Sanders made three public appearances in Washington on Sunday to overflow crowds, including in Seattle, where he filled the Key Arena, and an additional 5,000 people listened to him outside.

Last week, Clinton campaign spokeswoman Stephanie Formas noted in an email to The Beachcomber that the Washington caucus will be competitive and said they are fighting for every vote in the state.

“Headed into the March 26th caucus, our volunteers and supporters are knocking on doors and hitting the phones to share with friends, family and neighbors Hillary Clinton’s plans to raise the minimum wage, protect women’s access to health care and stand with Washington’s small businesses and workers,” Formas stated.

Hillary, Bill and Chelsea Clinton were all expected to campaign in Washington this week, with all of the events slated for after press time.

According to The Seattle Times, out of Washington’s 101 delegates that can be awarded, 67 will be apportioned according to Saturday’s caucus results. The other 34 delegates will be awarded based on congressional district results. The Times also noted Washington has 17 Democratic superdelegates, nine of whom have pledged to support Clinton. The eight others have said they will not pledge their support to a candidate until after the state’s caucuses.

For her part, Twisdale is encouraging Vashon residents to turn out in high numbers on Saturday.

“We would love everyone on this island to show up. It would be awesome,” she said.

The Washington State Democratic Presidential Caucus will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Open Space for Arts & Community, 18870 103rd Ave. SW. Doors will open at 9 a.m., and early arrival is recommended, as is online pre-registration at demcaucus.com/register.