Because 2016 is a presidential election year, both major political parties are in the process of choosing their candidate to be the next president of the United States.

The nominating process differs from state to state, but all states send delegates pledged to one candidate or the other to their party’s national convention.

Delegates are simply citizens chosen by their party to represent the will of voters in their home state, as expressed via primary elections or caucus attendance.

Washington state Democrats do not use the results of the presidential primary to determine how many delegates are awarded to any candidate. Instead, Democratic voters will have their chance to make their voices heard at precinct caucuses at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26.

The meetings will be at local schools, libraries or other public spaces. There is no charge to attend and vote for your preferred candidate. You can find your caucus location and pre-register at the following website: demcaucus.com.

The fact that Washington state does not have voter registration by party is a major factor in the decision to hold caucuses. The caucus system has its pros and cons, and there are many who would prefer a primary. But I appreciate the opportunity to meet with my neighbors and listen to them explain why they support one candidate over another. This kind of face-to-face interaction builds a sense of community and shared purpose that you can’t get from filling in a bubble on a mail-in ballot.

Anyone who is 18 by Nov. 8, 2016 and affirms they are a Democrat on Caucus Day is eligible to participate. Allowances for absentee voting have been made this year for reasons of religious observance, military service, disability, illness or work schedule. More information is available at: wa-democrats.org.

I encourage all Democrats to attend their local precinct caucus. You will meet good people and have a lively conversation about our two candidates for president. You can even run to be a delegate if you want to continue on through the process. Remember, “Democracy is not a spectator sport, it’s a participatory event. If we don’t participate in it, it ceases to be a democracy.”

Brian L. Gunn is a political activist living in Auburn. He is chair of the Washington State Progressive Caucus and state committeeman for the 31st Legislative District Democrats. He can be reached at brian@waprogressives.org.