To the editor:

It is critical that registered voters in Island County who prefer the Republican Party be aware that Presidential Primary ballots will not be mailed this year.

Gov. Gregoire and the Democrat legislature suspended our presidential primary election for 2012 as a budget conservation effort.

The March 3 caucuses are the only option for Republicans to directly express their support for a particular presidential candidate before the general election, as well as participate in definition of the party platform and select delegates for the county convention.

Depending on the voter’s precinct, pooled caucus will begin at 10 a.m. at South Whidbey High School, Oak Harbor High School or Lost Lake Clubhouse on Camano Island.

Location, time and participation instructions can be found under the Events tab at www.IslandCountyGOP.org, by calling the Island County Republican Party or by contacting your local precinct committee officer.

RICHARD BACIGALUPI

Langley