Caucuses underway across Colorado, as the election cycle begins

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO)-- The 2022 election cycle is unofficially underway. Caucuses kicked off in many Colorado counties Tuesday, including in El Paso County.

But for the first time in recent memory though, Democrats and Republicans are not gathering on the same night.

Colorado is on a sort of hybrid system. It's only been this way for a few years, but the state holds caucuses in the lead-up to our primary elections.

That two-step process is thought to provide a better chance for candidates with little money, but strong public support. 

This year though, the party leadership in each county gets to pick when they'll caucus, anytime between March 1 and March 5.

Tuesday night, the El Paso County Republicans took their turn.

"People show up in their neighborhoods, they can run for precinct committee person, which means you are the top republican volunteer in your neighborhood and you get to help out candidates," Colorado GOP Chair Kristi Burton-Brown said of the process.

Interested parties need to register as a Democrat or Republican to vote in caucuses, but anyone can attend.

The El Paso County Democrats will meet both virtually, and in-person Saturday afternoon.

Having a good showing at the caucuses is crucial for launching a successful campaign.

"It matters because it really is an opportunity for local Democrats to have a voice in their party's platform and who will represent them on the ballot," said John Mikos, head of the El Paso County Democrats.

To get on the primary ballot, which the public will vote on this summer, candidates need to get at least 30% of support from these caucus precincts, before an assembly in April. Alternately, candidates can also land on the ballot by collecting enough voter signatures.

"Ideally, your supporters also become precinct committee people, so they're the lead volunteer in the neighborhood and can really work to support you if you win your primary," said Burton-Brown.

At the local level, the November 2022 elections are significant.

Senator Michael Bennet's U.S. Senate seat is up for grab, as well as the Governor Jared Polis' post, and all of Colorado's seats in the U.S.House of Representatives.

The primary elections are set for June 28.