The political season continues to gain steam and, locally, that means it’s time for precinct caucuses.

The caucus system is a grassroots effort to rally supporters to the Republican or Democratic cause and lay the foundation for the stretch run to the fall elections.

Within the boundaries of the 31st Legislative District – which takes in all of the Plateau and stretches downhill to Sumner – Republicans will be meeting March 3 at two locations. Those living in King County precincts will gather at Auburn High School and those on the Pierce County side will meet at North Tapps Middle School.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. so attendees can get registered, offering a drivers license and voters card as proof of residence. Things get rolling at 10 a.m. and, during the day, there will be discussions surrounding key Republican issues, an opportunity to hear from Republican candidates and the selection of delegates to the March 17 legislative caucuses. There also will be a non-binding straw poll, where attendees will offer their personal choice to be the Republican candidate for president.

Democrats will wait a bit longer to get down to business. Precinct caucuses are planned for the afternoon of April 15 and will allow attendees to elect delegates and alternates to the April 28 legislative district caucuses and help shape the party platform. As a formality, the process also serves to choose the party’s presidential nominee.