Local and state party leaders are gearing up for precinct caucuses, the first step in the political process.

Minnesota caucuses are scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 4.

Koochiching County GOP caucuses will be held at Thunderbird Lodge for residents who live east of Second Bridge, the rest will meet at Falls High School cafeteria, according to local Republican Party leader Terry Stone.

Locally, DFL caucuses in the county will be conducted at Rainy River Community College commons, according to DFL Party Chairman Joe Boyle. DFL caucuses will also be held at the Littlefork-Big Falls High School in Littlefork, Northome Municipal Building, the Birchdale Community Building, and the Big Falls City Hall.

The caucuses choose delegates, who must be at least age 18 by Nov. 6; draft a platform and start the process of electing party officers and endorsing candidates for elective offices.

Stone said attending caucuses is a valuable way to get involved.

“It is the most leveraged political activity you can do," he said. "At local caucuses, you can help choose the candidate and go on to be a delegate and shape district-level politics."

He said this year could be an important one to become involved because of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. 

"There is widespread unhappiness with Obamacare and MNsure," he said. "A lot of people are panicked and that could impact caucus attendance."

Boyle also said precinct caucuses play an important role in the country.

“By the time you begin the process, you have the opportunity to meet with and choose your candidates for the Democratic party,” he said. "In a county of declining population, we're definitely holding our own and that's good."

Boyle said people who participate in the caucus "generally have the chance to attend the county convention as a delegate or an alternate."

"At a county convention," he said, "delegates will choose people to go on to the Eighth District and state conventions."

Stone concluded that while caucus participation is generally lower in non-presidential years, it is still important to become involved and get educated. "Nothing comes close to the benefit of participating in a local caucus."