According to the Seattle Post‑Intelligencer, nearly 250,000 people showed up for Democratic Party caucuses in Washington in 2008. That number was likely a national record for attendance at any of the party’s 18 state caucuses and surpassed Washington’s previous Democratic attendance record.

Vashon also saw a record turnout during the 2008 caucus. A March 2008 Beachcomber article reported that more than 1,660 islanders attended, more than double the attendance of the caucus in 2004.

Caucuses serve as the public’s chance to decide who will be on the ballot in November. While voting in the election is crucial, deciding which candidates will be on that ballot may be even more important, and Washington is one of only 14 states holding a caucus this year.

Caucuses work by proportionally assigning delegates for each candidate. The more people who voice support for a candidate, the more delegates are assigned to that candidate. In the end, the candidate with the most delegates gets the state’s, and ultimately the party’s nomination.

Recent news headlines have named Vashon the “most liberal place in America” and have put a magnifying glass to those islanders vocally speaking in support of Bernie Sanders in particular. A quick look around the island reveals many visual cues as to the political leanings of islanders, from Christmas lights that spell out “Bernie” on a hedge in front of a north-end home, to a wooden sign near town and “Feel the Bern” bumper stickers adorning island cars.

But, these clear supporters should not be the only ones attending the caucus. Those in support of Hillary Clinton or who are undecided should also come and make their voices heard or risk losing the chance to vote for their favorite candidate come November.

Each of Vashon’s 19 precincts will choose a candidate, and one person could be the force that decides who will move on in the electoral process. Show up informed and ready to say why your support is behind your candidate.

Democrats across the state have a history of being politically active and making their voices heard when it comes time to choose the nation’s leaders. Saturday’s caucus should be no different from 2008’s and all who can participate should.