Unalaska, AK – February 5 is Super Tuesday, when primary elections for this year's presidential race are held in nearly half the states in the country, including Alaska. Depending on which party you belong to, you may or may not have a chance to weigh in here in Unalaska.

Unalaska Democrats will be caucusing at the Burma Road Chapel at 4:30 p.m. on February 5. Democratic voter registrar Tammy Fowler-Pound said she's expecting a better turnout than the last Unalaska caucus, in 2000.

"I recall four Democrats showing up, and since then I know two of them have moved," she said, laughing. "In my opinion, there are three great frontrunners for the Democratic party [this year]. I think that people are excited about this upcoming presidential election, and this, I think, is a time when people can really participate and feel like they can make a difference."

The state Republican Party is making an effort to hold more rural caucuses this year, and in District 37 caucuses are planned for February 5 in Dillingham, Sand Point, Naknek and Togiak so far. But district party chair Ron Bowers said he hasn't been able to find someone to host the Republicans in Unalaska, and is still looking for local volunteers.

Bowers said it's especially important for voters in District 37 to have a voice in their state and national level political parties.

"Resource issues like Lease Sale 92, the Pebble Mine, global warming, fisheries--and national defense, whether it be the [sea-based X-Band] radar in the Aleutians or the military buildup in Alaska. All of these are national issues that they need to hear, on the national level, from Alaska."

Bowers said anyone interested in volunteering should contact him at 842-4186. The state parties can be found online at www.alaskarepublicans.com and www.alaskademocrats.org.