By Brenda Starkey
Chronicle correspondent

     About 3,900 presidential primary ballots were mailed to Ferry County voters Jan. 30, according to county auditor Dianna Galvan.
     A continuing tax levy for Emergency Medical Services District No. 1 also id being presented to voters served by the ambulance district, she said.
     To vote for a presidential candidate, voters must pick a political party, but those wishing to vote only on the local issue may use a non-partisan ballot instead, according to information on the auditor's Web site.
     Ballots must be returned by Feb. 19.
     Although more voters generally participate in a presidential primary than political caucuses, the Washington primary may have little impact on the selection of presidential candidates, according to numerous sources.
     Local caucuses will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, across the state.
     State Democrats will rely on caucuses to select delegates to their national convention.
     Ferry County Democrats will caucus at the Keller School gymnasium, Republic Elementary School multi-purpose room, Curlew School cafeteria, Inchelium School multi-purpose room and Kettle River Grange in Barstow, according to county party chairman Sarah Spark.
     State Democratic officials predict a record turnout for this year's caucuses.
     More information is available from Lyn Edgel, 775-3439.
     State Republicans say they will allot half of their delegates based on the primary. The other half will be decided through the caucus system.
     Ferry County Republicans will hold their caucus at the Prospector's Inn conference room, Republic. Delegates to the Ferry County convention in April will be chosen.
     More information is available from Dennis Wuerth, 779-4802.
     Washington secretary of state Sam Reed says the caucus system is great for party activists, but the primary results will get national publicity and let the nation know what candidates state voters prefer.
     More information on the presidential primary in Ferry County is available from the auditor's office, 775-5200. Lost or missing ballots may be reported to the auditor's office.