Find out exactly what happens at a caucus

DENVER - Registered voters have jumped on the phones to learn more about the upcoming caucus Feb. 5 in Colorado.

From learning a precinct location to finding out what takes place at a caucus, party headquarters in the area have seen tremendous interest from voters.

"For the first time, we're having our caucuses when they really count in terms of our presidential nominating process, so we expect a big crowd," said Dick Wadhams, Colorado GOP chairman.

Colorado is one of 22 states choosing delegates in either primaries or caucuses on what's being dubbed "Super Tuesday."

Organizers with both political parties in Colorado anticipate a large turnout at individual precincts.

"There are some counties who've had to move to larger precinct areas because they expect large turnouts," said Bill Compton, political director for Colorado's Democratic Party.

As voters call their local party headquarters to find their precincts, they're also getting an education on the caucus process.

"A precinct caucus sounds kind of mysterious. It's nothing more than a neighborhood meeting of like-minded citizens," said Wadhams.

Unlike walking into a closed voting booth, the caucus is an open forum in a precinct taking place in either a local school gymnasium or church.

During a presidential election year, voters will participate in two nominating processes.

Candidates are nominated for local, state, and congressional seats on a wide range of political offices, such as a district attorney or state board of education.

Voters also help elect presidential electors and delegates who will then attend the national convention and cast their votes for their chosen candidate there.

At a precinct caucus for Colorado's Democratic Party, a candidate must have at least 15 percent of the votes in the room to earn delegates and move to the next level.

If a voter had selected a Democratic presidential candidate who did not receive 15 percent of the votes, then a voter can change preferences for a remaining candidate on a second selection.

Compton says undecided voters at a precinct caucus will receive a lot of attention.

"There will be a lot of lobbying going on. These presidential candidates want as many people as they can get," said Compton.

For Colorado's Republican Party, each precinct can choose only one candidate.

To take part in a Colorado caucus, voters must have been registered with their political parties by Dec. 5.

To find your precinct location, you can call your local county clerk and recorder's office.

Voters can also visit the following Web site links from their respective political party in Colorado to find precinct locations and detailed caucus information.

Democratic voters can visit www.coloradodems.org and Republican voters can visit www.cologop.org/pages/caucusfaq.cfm.