Washington Republicans select their nominee, key issues Feb. 20

Republican officials expect 25,000 Washington voters to participate in the party’s caucuses Feb. 20.

Caucusing with like-minded voters who live in the same precinct is the first step in the process of building enthusiasm for the presidential election.

It’s also a great way for people who are interested in politics to get involved at the ground level, said Susan Hutchison, chairwoman of the Washington State Republican Party.

“It’s an opportunity to get involved without being overly committed,” she said. “For those who want to become activists, it’s a great first step.”

Republicans in Washington’s 39 counties gather will Saturday to discuss issues and select a preferred nominee for president. In Benton and Franklin counties, participants register at 9 a.m. and begin caucusing at 10 a.m. The sessions should wrap up by 12:30 p.m., a spokeswoman said.

Find your caucus location at wsrp.org/caucus.

By the end, each precinct will choose a delegate to represent its platform issues at the county conventions.

The Franklin County GOP plans its convention March 19 at TRAC in Pasco. Benton County GOP’s convention is March 26 at the Red Lion Columbia Center.

The process continues with the state convention in the Tri-Cities this year. The three-day event is May 19-21 at TRAC.

Washington’s presidential primary is just a few days later, on May 24. Unlike the Democratic primary, the Republican primary results are binding. The number of delegates presidential candidates get will be based on the percentage of the vote they receive, according to an explanation published by the League of Women Voters.

The Republican nominees for president and vice president will be selected at the national convention July 18-21 in Cleveland.

Hutchison said the party’s estimate of 25,000 caucus participants is based on nonmandatory preregistration.

People caucusing must be registered voters in Washington, and they must be willing to affirm that they intend to vote for the Republican candidate and won’t participate in the Democratic Party’s caucuses March 26.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Washington Republicans select their nominee, key issues Feb. 20."