ST. PAUL - Secretary of State Mark Ritchie invites Minnesotans to join in the candidate selection process and attend a political party precinct caucus tonight. 

“Precinct caucuses are the first step in selecting candidates for the general election,” Ritchie said in a release. "By participating in their local caucus, Minnesotans make their voice heard.”

Precinct caucuses are open to the public and organized by Minnesota’s political parties. During these meetings, political parties begin the process of selecting candidates for the 2012 election.

To encourage participation, the Office of Secretary of State provides a free online caucus finder with the time and location of local caucuses. Residents can access the caucus finder at 
www.sos.state.mn.us.