The Montezuma County Republican Caucus is set for Tuesday, and will be the first indication of which candidates local party members want on the primary ballot.

“The caucus is an important part of any election,” Carol Tullis, Montezuma County clerk said. “It’s the grassroots step of getting your candidate on the ballot.”

Starting 7 p.m. Tuesday, registered county Republicans can head to their precinct caucus locations and cast their vote for a candidate of choice.

Those candidates who get the most votes can send a set number of delegates to vote for them at the party’s general assembly to be held later this month.

Candidates who receive at least 30 percent of delegate votes will be eligible for placement on the ballot for the party’s primary election set for June 26. Tullis said candidates who get between 10 and 30 percent of the delegate vote will still be able to petition onto the ballot.

“If you get less than 10 percent, you’re out completely,” she said, “You can’t write in, you can’t petition or anything, you’re just done.”

Although candidates do not need to go through the caucus process to get on the ballot, Tullis said it is the best way.

Local Republican candidates vying for placement on this year’s ballot in the county commissioner race include: Keenan Ertel, Creston “Bud” Garner, Stuart Hanold and Pat DeGagne-Rule for the District 2 seat. Dewayne Findley and Tim Hunter are running for the District 3 seat.

There are currently three Republicans running for the position of 22nd Judicial District Attorney, including William Furse, Keith Mandelski and incumbent Russell Wasley.

A straw poll will also be conducted at the caucuses to gauge support for presidential candidates, said Chuck Forth, Vice-Chairman of the Montezuma County Republican Central Committee.

“We certainly encourage people to come out,” he said.

Results of the caucus will be presented at the party’s general assembly, set for 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Montezuma County Annex.

To participate, voters must be registered voters and must go to the proper precinct caucus location, Tullis said.

Precinct caucus locations are listed online at: www.montezumagop.org/CaucusLocations.html. Participants can pre-register through the same website to avoid having to register at the caucus.

A map of county voter precincts is also available at: www.co.montezuma.co.us/documents/ gis/VoterPrecincts County_17x21.pdf

Monday will be the last day to register to vote in the Democrat/American Constitution Party caucuses set for March 6.

Voters who are uncertain about their registration status may call the clerk’s office at: 565-3728.

Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com