After the political excitement of Super Tuesday, El Paso County Republicans and Democrats have a chance to get involved at the most local level through party caucuses this week.

The caucuses are a neighborhood-level opportunity to debate political ideas and candidates, and elect representatives to the county assembly. At the county assembly, candidates that earn a high enough percentage of the vote earn a place on the primary ballot. Candidates also can petition on to local primary ballots, although it tends to be more expensive.

The El Paso County Republican Party is hoping to see about the same level of turnout as it did in 2022, said Vice Chair Todd Watkins, who is hoping for over 1,000 people in 324 precincts.

It is the most direct way to get involved in picking candidates.

“This is where it all starts,” he said.

The number of people who show up in each precinct varies greatly from no one to larger groups, who pick people to represent them at the larger county assembly.

Candidates who make the ballot via the assembly or petition process compete for votes in the June primary. El Paso County voters will pick three county commissioners, state and house representatives, the 4th Judicial District Attorney and a congressman to replace Rep. Doug Lamborn, among other seats.

The county commission races are crowded with three candidates in District 2, five candidates in District 3 and six in District 4.

Republicans will hold their caucuses 7 p.m. Thursday at various locations across the county based on precinct. Voters can look up their precinct number on the secretary of state website by looking up their own voter registration and then selecting the tab for “County & District Information.” The last three digits of that number can be used to search for a precinct number on the County GOP’s list.

The county GOP list of caucus locations based on precinct number can be found at gopelpaso.com/2024-caucus-and-assembly.

County Democrats will hold their caucuses Saturday online. Those interested need to register before 9:30 a.m. Saturday to participate virtually at epcodemparty.org.

The Democrats typically do not have competitive primary elections at the county level.

Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazettedev.gazette.com or (719) 429-9264.

El Paso County saw strong voter turnout on Election Day in 2023. 

(Photo by Joaquin Corbalan, iStock)