By wplog

Published Monday, Dec. 17, 2007 | 7:05 p.m.

Updated Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 | 2:14 p.m.

Less than five weeks before the Nevada caucuses, the question keeps coming: What is a caucus?

In short, it's a neighborhood gathering where you and your neighbors will determine the level of support in your community for the various presidential candidates. Candidates, in turn, will be awarded delegates based on that level of support. Sounds simple, right? It isn't.

That much was clear after two of my Sun colleagues and I hit the streets over the weekend to watch the canvassing operations of the three major Democratic campaigns. In general, voters are becoming more engaged in the presidential campaign but still lack the specifics on just how a caucus works..

Nevada Democrats will want to check out this Washington Post piece for a preview of what's in store for the state's Jan. 19 caucus.

My colleague, Patrick Coolican, and I took a look at the issue earlier this month.

For starters, Nevadans are used to primaries, where early voting and absentee balloting are common. Neither method is an option in a caucus though. Nevadans must show up at a specific time and place on Jan. 19 and publicly declare their preference for a candidate.

For Democrats, that location will likely be a nearby school. Attendees must show up at 11 a.m. and devote up to two hours for the process to play out. At least the state Democratic Party has finalized its locations and voters can now find their individual sites here.

Nevada Republicans, who will be conducted more of a straw poll, can find information here. One note: You must register as a Republican 30 days before the caucus to participate, which means the deadline is Wednesday. Democrats have same-day registration.

Some advice: Ignore the crazy math and just show up, regardless of party affiliation. This is Nevada's big chance to play a role on the national stage. If the caucus tanks, the opportunity won't come again.