As the nation’s attention swivels from Iowa to New Hampshire to South Carolina to today’s Super Tuesday contests in a dozen other states, political enthusiasts in Kansas may want to mark their calendars for their own presidential caucuses this Saturday.
The purpose of the Republican and Democratic party caucuses, which offer a first chance for the eager voter to make her voice heard in the long drawn-out run-up to the general election, is to focus the party’s attention on a favorite candidate and to nominate delegates to send to the respective national conventions this summer.
Participation rules for the Republican and Democratic caucuses differ significantly from each other, but party affiliates will be on hand at both events to walk nervous caucus-goers through the procedural snarls. In the meantime, here are a few points of fact to keep in mind:
Republicans
Who: Kansans wanting to participate in Saturday’s caucus need to have been registered as Republicans by Feb. 4 and must present a photo ID upon arrival at caucus sites.
When: Voting is open between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 5.
Where: Allen County GOP voters will caucus at the Parsons Municipal Building, 12 S. 17th St. in Parsons.
Procedure: Representatives for each candidate will address the caucus. Participants can come and go as they please, and may cast their secret ballots at any point during the four-hour meeting.
Absentee ballots?: Those unable to caucus in person Saturday can still cast their vote. Absentee ballots are available by calling (785) 234-3456, or by sending an email to [email protected]. Ballots will be counted as long as they are postmarked by Saturday.
Kansas Republicans will select 40 delegates, on a proportional basis, to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
Democrats
Who: Caucusing is open only to Kansas Democrats, but voters can register to vote or change their registration on site. Voter ID is not required.
When: Registration will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 5.
