Hungry for political knowledge? This event might be for you

Now, here's a slate of candidates that could easily get the attention of many Americans: cheese, sausage, anchovy, pepperoni or vegetarian.

Using pizza topping choices in place of presidential candidates, Democratic Party officials will show Carson City residents how the caucus system works during an event Thursday morning called a "mockus."

Nevada sought and has now obtained a larger slice of national political influence. The state now will hold its caucus on Jan. 19. Nevada will hold the second Democratic caucus of the presidential election. Iowa holds the nation's first and New Hampshire has the first primary election.

Compared to a primary election, a caucus "is much more interactive, not difficult and kind of fun," said Kirsten Searer, deputy executive director of the Nevada Democratic Party. "It's also an opportunity to meet your neighbors."

Each precinct caucuses. The residents get together, discuss their options until they come up with choices that can be taken to a state-level caucus, then the subsequent national convention in Denver.

While it's a nonconfrontational method, it still allows voters "an opportunity to vent," she said.

Only residents and party officials are allowed to participate in the local caucuses next year. Candidate supporters from out of the area aren't allowed to speak but can watch the proceedings.

The state has been holding caucuses for decades, but the new time slot makes the process more important than ever.

This is why the party is going to communities across Nevada to demonstrate the process.

Nevada Democrats approved some differences from the Iowa system when they decided to hold the event earlier. Attendees will be allowed to register to vote at the precinct and participate in the caucus that day.

Same-day changes to party registration will be allowed, too, Searer said.

The party also hopes to attract new members by hosting mockuses. People who want to register - or change their affiliation to "Democrat" - can also do this during the demonstrations, she emphasized.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT:

Democratic

mockus caucus

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Thursday

WHERE:

Grandma Hattie's restaurant, 2811 S.

Carson St.

INFORMATION: 841-3367